Application of Solidot Integrated I/O Modules in Automotive Intermediate Shaft Bearing Tolerance Inspection Equipment

Automotive Intermediate Shaft Bearing Tolerance Inspection Equipment precisely locates bearing installation tolerance. Its high-cycle and high-precision nature demands extreme stability in signal acquisition. The integration of Remote I/O simplifies wiring complexity, enhances signal transmission efficiency, and reduces maintenance difficulty through centralized control, ensuring stable inspection processes.

Products used in this case: Solidot PN4-1616B, PN4-0032B, PN4-0016B

I. Production Process Overview

Workflow: Workpiece Loading → Claw Positioning → Tolerance Inspection → Sorting & Unloading

【Workpiece Loading】

Robots transfer intermediate shafts to inspection stations. Photoelectric sensors trigger positioning signals to initiate clamping.

【Claw Positioning】

Pneumatic claws provide real-time feedback via magnetic switches, with proximity switches calibrating shaft datum positions.

【Tolerance Inspection】

Servo mechanisms rotate workpieces. Laser displacement sensors scan bearing seat contours while photoelectric signals synchronously acquire dynamic data for real-time tolerance zone comparison.

【Sorting & Unloading】

PLC controls sorting based on results. Out-of-tolerance parts trigger alarms and automatic rejection.

II. I/O Module Application

A PROFINET network with Siemens S7-1200 PLC as master controller deploys I/O points near claws, inspection stations, and servos. Solidot integrated I/O modules are proximally installed:

PN4-1616B (16DI/16DO):

• DI: Laser sensor triggers, servo status (origin/position/alarm), magnetic switch signals

• DO: Motor start/stop, rotation direction control

PN4-0032B(32DO):

• Inspection station lighting, cooling fans, conveyor control

PN4-0016B(16DO):

• Claw solenoid valves, sorting pneumatic valves, alarm activation

III. Solution Optimization Results

Replacing Siemens local I/O modules with Solidot PROFINET integrated I/O eliminated control cabinet congestion and long cable runs. Proximal deployment:
✓ 30% reduction in cabling
✓ Maintenance time decreased by 40%
✓ Signal stability improved to ±0.1%