The Dodge automated installation concept is based on using Dodge inserts on a plastic carrying strip.

The strip is wound into a reel and placed on a feeding unit that is specifically designed for each application. The feeding is then integrated with a system to set the inserts; i.e. heat or ultrasonics. The unit can be integrated into a simple slide system where an operator loads the parts or can be fully automated by integrating it into a palletized system which would actually allow concurrent preloading and setting of the inserts. Thre typical system would allow the plastic part to be loaded in one station, either manually or automatically, while another station is actually installing the inserts to the desired depth.

The Dodge automated installation concept is unique in that it does not need a vibratory bowl to feed inserts. When utilizing a vibratory bowl feeding system there is a potential for the external inserts to be damaged. The knurls become flattened and the fins rounded over. Such distortion of the insert could lead to decreased performance of the assembly. This insert damage typically ends up in the form of chips and dust. The accumulation of this debris can cause jamming problems in the vibratory bowl as well as the feeding system. This causes the system to stop functioning leading to significant downtime in order to clean out the feeding system. In addition, the vibratory bowl is noisy and expensive.

The Dodge Automation Installation Concept boasts the following benefits: 

• No operator required to manually load inserts
• Faster cycles by concurrent pre-loading and setting of inserts
• High reliability because inserts are inspected prior to being loaded on to the carrying strip eliminating short parts that cause jamming in bowl feed systems
• Slim line of feeding system allows multile heads to be ganged for multiple installations, including different size inserts and different planes of assembly
• When integrated with heat installation equipment, the unit is quiet and there are no limits to quantity, size, plane of insertion
• Installation of inserts at a different station prevents downtime from jamming due to misfeeds or contamination. If the feeding unit becomes inoperable for any reason, parts can still be loaded by hand until the unit is reset