Company: Kinetic Systems Inc.
Role: Product Development Engineer
Project Overview
At Kinetic Systems Inc., Darren led the design and development of pneumatic isolation systems equipped with digital control technologies to manage and reduce vibration amplitude. These systems were designed to provide high-efficiency isolation, ensuring that sensitive manufacturing tools could operate at peak precision. Darren’s work enabled clients to improve manufacturing output by stabilizing their equipment and minimizing vibration-related disruptions.
Scope of Work:
- Problem Identification:
In precision manufacturing environments, even small vibrations can impact tool performance and product quality. Traditional isolation systems were insufficient for certain high-sensitivity equipment, resulting in frequent adjustments, production interruptions, and tool degradation. - Design and Development Process:
Darren worked closely with the engineering team to create pneumatic isolation platforms that maintained stability even under changing loads and operating conditions.- Digital Control Systems: Integrated controllers to monitor vibrations in real time and adjust the pneumatic system accordingly.
- Motion Control Algorithms: Designed to minimize unwanted movements and maintain stability throughout the production process.
- Adaptive Systems: The isolation platforms were capable of compensating for sudden disturbances, ensuring continuous operation.
- Implementation and Use Cases:
The pneumatic isolation systems were deployed in precision manufacturing facilities to stabilize critical equipment, such as:- CNC Machines: Reduced vibration-induced errors during high-precision machining operations.
- Metrology Tools: Improved the consistency of measurements by isolating equipment from environmental vibrations.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment: Maintained sub-micron accuracy during wafer processing and inspection.
- Results & Outcomes:
- Manufacturing output improved by 10-15% due to fewer disruptions and more precise operations.
- Tool accuracy increased, minimizing the need for rework and improving product quality.
- Operational efficiency enhanced, as the isolation systems reduced maintenance needs and extended the lifespan of equipment.
