SOF-MUB System for spring band clamps

The SOF-MUB system was designed and built by SOFCA s.r.l. to objectify and control the tightening of the spring band clamps type MUBEA Group and NORMA Group.

The system is produced in two versions depending on the interface used to communicate with the Control Unit:

• Link wireless Bluetooth (model SOF-MUB_W)
• Connection with cable (model SOF-MUB_C)

The use of the Bluetooth offers the advantage of eliminating the wiring for transferring the information between the tool and the control system when the tool is used at a distance from the control unit no longer than 15 meters. The use of a system with Wi-Fi technology allows the operator to easily handle the tool during the tightening operations.

Compared to the wireless system, the cable system uses an additional unit to power the tool; then the battery in the tool has been removed.

The solution with the tool connected by cable is used when the electromagnetic environment is hostile or when the tool has to be installed in an automated station.

The SOF-MUB system is able to check the proper tightening, count the number of clamps that make up the assembly cycle, check that the assembly sequence was properly followed, discriminate whether the type clamp is correct and transfer the data to a storage system based on the use of a PLC, PC, or ETHERNET interacting on an information technology level and in real time with the control systems that contribute to the complex vertical supervision activity according to various types of networks and protocols.

The 'objectification' term refers to the process by which an intelligent equipment is programmed to monitor the activities of an operator while performing a sequence of assembly; the intelligence of the equipment lies in its ability to control and verify the same sequence during the production.

The objectification of the tightening is optimized with the self-learning procedure, which determines the values of the parameters related to the control of the clamp tightening while giving the technologist the possibility to analyze and correct these values.

A screen of the self-learning procedure for objectifying the tightening process.

The command button for tightening the clamp can be found on the body of the tool, as well as a ring-shaped LED light to visualize the result of the operation according to the computation of the system SOF-MUB.

The SOF-MUB system gives the best guarantee on the spring band clamp tightness by applying the following strategies:

• Self-learning for setting parameters that ensure a good tightening
• Detection of the parameter values is in real time, during the tightening process, by reading the sensors
• Data processing and decision based on the outcome of the tightening
• Event outcome as a graphic on the control unit, switching-on of the traffic light on the tool, print out of the results, release of the data on PLC/PC or remotely over Ethernet, when required
• Scheduled maintenance supported by the control unit which, on the basis on the number of cycles implemented, will warn the operator

The main screen of the control and monitoring unit

The screen of the tightening statistics and monitoring of voltage and temperature parameters

Characteristics of the SOF MUB system:

• Practical system, since there are no cables and hoses to drag
• Reduced tool weight, about 2 kg
• Maintenance limited to the replacement of the jaws every 60,000 cycles
• Long autonomy of the battery, on average you get about 2400
• Change of the battery in about 4-5 seconds
• Time of about one hour to charge the 18 VDC lithium battery with the convenience of having the second battery charging
• Graph of Force vs. Stroke with indications of their acceptability thresholds after cycle performed
• Flexible interface for monitoring, remote control, uni and bi-directional data exchange
• Availability of an on-site bench for the verification of the tightening force through the use of a load cell certified by ACCREDIA laboratories

The SOF-MUB products are checked and qualified in the factory on test benches dedicated to stressing the system.

The MUB-SOF system, in its basic version, consists of:

• Wireless Control Unit
• SOF-MUB tool with LEDs at 360 degrees
• No. 2 batteries
• Battery-charger
• SOF-MUB containment support

Upon request, Sofca can provide the SOF-MUB system arranged as "operating station" and configured according to the customer needs; the station, in its typical configuration, consists of:

• Bench with anodized aluminum frame
• CTool with the LEDs for successful operation and warnings
• Control Unit with optional 360 degree beacon
• Dedicated printer for timely report of the operations
• Barcode device to select the appropriate control parameters (the programs can be selected via barcode and taken in charge by the system automatically)
• Program selector GPBOX

Application examples