Quantifying the complexity of subassemblies in a fully automated assembly system

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 803-812 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yicong Gao ◽  
Chuan He ◽  
Bing Zheng ◽  
Hao Zheng ◽  
Jianrong Tan
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Model ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Design Solution ◽  
Assembly System ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Automated Assembly ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dependency Matrix ◽  
Assembly Design ◽  
Main Challenge

Purpose Complexity is the main challenge for present and future manufacturers. Assembly complexity heavily affects a product’s final quality in the fully automated assembly system. This paper aims to propose a new method to assess the complexity of modern automated assembly system at the assembly design stage with respect to the characteristics of both manufacturing system and each single component to be mounted. Aiming at validating the predictive model, a regression model is additionally presented to estimate the statistic relationship between the real assembly defect rate and predicted complexity of the fully automated assembly system. Design/methodology/approach The research herein extends the S. N. Samy and H. A. ElMaraghy’s model and seeks to redefine the predictive model using fuzzy evaluation against a fully automated assembly process at the assembly design stages. As the evaluation based on the deterministic scale with accurate crisp number can hardly reflect the uncertainty of the judgement, fuzzy linguistic variables are used to measure the interaction among influence factors. A dependency matrix is proposed to estimate the assembly complexity with respect to the interactions between mechanic design, electric design and process factors and main functions of assembly system. Furthermore, a complexity attributes matrix of single part is presented, to map the relationship between all individual parts to be mounted and three major factors mentioned in the dependency matrix. Findings The new proposed model presents a formal quantification to predict assembly complexity. It clarifies that how the attributes of assembly system and product components complicate the assembly process and in turn influence the manufacturing performance. A center bolt valve in the camshaft of continue variable valve timing is used to demonstrate the application of the developed methodology in this study. Originality/value This paper presents a developed method, which can be used to improve the design solution of assembly concept and optimize the process flow with the least complexity.

The Methodology for the Selection of the Appropriate Sensory Equipment for the Grasping End Effectors in the Assembly Workspace

2014 ◽  
Vol 693 ◽  
pp. 56-61
Author(s):  
Michala Šimúnová ◽  
Nina Vetríková ◽  
Karol Velíšek
Keyword(s):  
Error Rates ◽  
Considerable Degree ◽  
Assembly System ◽  
Human Intervention ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Automated Assembly ◽  
Characteristic Sign ◽  
Industry Automation ◽  
End Effectors ◽  
Selection Of

Nowadays, there is a huge emphasis on the development of devices, technologies and process in the industry. Automation helps with it in the considerable degree, because it tries to solve the development of technique, what is characteristic sign of production, assembly, control and another process realization, what eliminates the human intervention and error rates. Automated assembly process consists of the assembly and handling operations of component connecting to the different units and final products, what is equipped with appropriate devices to eliminate the human intervention. One of the most productive solutions seems to be the deployment and the use of robots and manipulators, which realize the technological, handling and also transporting process. This contribution deals with the systematic steps for the selection of the appropriate sensory equipment used in the gripping robotic end effectors, which are characteristic for the assembly system, placed in our department laboratories.

A Human-Centered Virtual Assembly System

2009 ◽  
Vol 16-19 ◽  
pp. 796-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Chen ◽  
Ping Jun Xia ◽  
Yue Dong Lang ◽  
Ying Xue Yao
Keyword(s):  
Motion Capture ◽  
Virtual Assembly ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Virtual Manufacturing ◽  
Assembly System ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Assembly Operation ◽  
Assembly Design ◽  
Human Modeling

Virtual manufacturing technology has become an effective method for decision and planning in manufacturing. Due to ergonomics problems are widely concerned in assembly design planning, a human-centered virtual assembly system framework is proposed for ergonomics analysis for assembly operation in this paper. The six-layer framework integrates virtual human modeling, motion capture and recognition, ergonomics evaluation and virtual assembly process planning as an organic whole. Data exchanging and system function are discussed based on this framework. The work in virtual reality (VR) technology, motion capture technology, ergonomics method and optimization method for implementing the system is also described. The framework would provide a new approach for the combination of virtual manufacturing and ergonomics analysis in the future.

The repeatability positioning analysis of the industrial robot arm

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafał Kluz ◽  
Tomasz Trzepieciński
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Distribution ◽  
Industrial Robot ◽  
Random Variable ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Positioning Error ◽  
Robot Arm ◽  
Optimal Position ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose – The purpose of the following work was to work out the dependency to allow for the determination of the repeatability positioning error value of the robot at any given point in its workspace, without the necessity of conducting time-consuming measurements while routing a precise surface of repeatability positioning. Design/methodology/approach – The presented dependency permits for the possibility to determine, even at the planning phase, the optimal connection point in the workspace, ensuring the best parameters for the process of machine assembly, without needless overestimation of precision of the utilized equipment. To solve the task the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method implemented in the MATLAB(R) environment was used. To verify the hypothesis of the compatibility of the empirical distribution with the hypothetical distribution of the robot’s positioning error, the Kolmogorov test was used. Findings – In this paper, it has been demonstrated theoretically and experimentally that the industrial robot accuracy can vary over a very wide range in the workspace. This provides an additional opportunity to increase reliability of the assembly process through the appropriate choice of the point of parts joining. The methodology presented here allows the designer of assembly workstations to rapidly estimate the repeatability of robot positioning and to allocate at the design stage of assembly process the optimal position in the robot workspace to ensure the required precision, without unnecessarily high accuracy of equipment used and, therefore, without inflated costs. Originality/value – An alternative solution to the stated problem can be the proposed method for determining the robot’s positioning errors, requiring a much smaller amount of measurements to be taken that would be necessary to determine the parameters of the random variable errors of the joint coordinates of the robot and for their verification by the repeatability of positioning in randomly selected points in the workspace. Additionally discussed in the study, the methodology of identifying connection place was designed for typical combinations of machine parts, most frequently encountered in assembly process and was taken into account, typical limitations occurring in actual manufacturing conditions.

scholarly journals Lean product development and agile project management in the construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Albuquerque ◽  
Alvair Silveira Torres ◽  
Fernando Tobal Berssaneti
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Product Development ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Potential Application ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Product Development ◽  
Agile Project Management ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
New Methodologies

Purpose In recent years, innovative methodologies of product development such as lean product development (LPD) and agile project management (APM) have emerged. Even though previous research studies focused on these subjects, only few of them were focused on traditional industries, as civil construction. The purpose of this paper is to cover a part of this gap by estimating the potential of the application of these two new approaches (LPD and APM) in the construction industry, more specifically on the design stage. Design/methodology/approach For this, a case study has been conducted in order to understand if some of LPD and APM tools and practices had already been used, and also to evaluate the potential application of these new methodologies. Three Brazilian companies have been evaluated, all of them were exclusive executors of the design stage and presented distinct characteristics (size, structure, business model, etc.). Findings The results show that there is currently little adherence to LPD and APM practices within the companies studied. In terms of potential application of these new methodologies, the study has identified evidence regarding technical similarities between the reported cases and others mentioned in literature. However, the interviewees’ reception of these concepts was mostly pessimistic, showing considerable resistance to changes in the current process. Originality/value According to the analysis, the study identified that the main challenge/hampering to the implementation of these tools in the cases studied herein are the functional organizational structures, the customer–supplier relationships and the internal cultural resistance to change.

An innovative strategy to create equivalent elements for modelling assembly points in joined structures

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 453-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxime Bérot ◽  
Julien Malrieu ◽  
François Bay
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Mechanical State ◽  
Complete Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Strategy

Purpose – Large structures (e.g. plane, bridge, etc.) often include several hundreds of assembly points. Structural computations often use over-simplistic approximations for these points; among others, they do not take into account the thermo-mechanical history due to the assembling process. Running computations with each assembly point modelled completely would require too much time to achieve a simulation. There is thus a need to create equivalent elements for assembly points in order to: take into account the mechanical state of the assembly point in the design stage – while reducing the computational time cost at the same time. This paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper introduces an innovative strategy based on a coupling procedure between a finite element tool for modelling the assembly process in order to access to the mechanical state of the assembly point and an optimisation algorithm, in order to identify the equivalent element parameters. Findings – The strategy has proven to be successful. A connector model easier to use and much faster than the complete model, has been obtained. Results obtained with this element are in good agreement with experimental tests in the case of multipoint assemblies and with the simulation results of the complete numerical model. Finally the connector model appears to be easier to use and much faster than the complete model, more difficult to model properly. Originality/value – The main innovative aspects of this strategy lie in the fact that the creation of this equivalent element is based on a complete numerical approach. The thermo-mechanical history due to the assembly process is considered – the element parameters are identified thanks to an evolution strategy based on the coupling between a finite element model and a zero-order minimisation algorithm.

scholarly journals Integrated design environment for reusable modular assembly systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 664-672
Author(s):  
Pedro Ferreira ◽  
Paul Danny Anandan ◽  
Ivo Pereira ◽  
Vikrant Hiwarkar ◽  
Mohmed Sayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
System Design ◽  
Data Exchange ◽  
Solution Space ◽  
Design Solution ◽  
Assembly System ◽  
Assembly Systems ◽  
Design Activity ◽  
Modular Assembly ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Support Tools

Purpose This paper aims to provide a service-based integrated prototype framework for the design of reusable modular assembly systems (RMAS) incorporating reusability of equipment into the process. It extends AutomationML (AML) developments for an engineering data exchange to integrate and standardize the data formats that support the design of RMAS. Design/methodology/approach The approach provides a set of systematic procedures and support tools for the design of RMAS. This includes enhanced domain knowledge models that facilitate the interpretation and integration of information across the design phases. Findings The inclusion of reusability aspects in the design phase improves the sustainability of future assembly systems, by ensuring equipment use until its end-of-life. Moreover, the integrated support tools reduce the design time, while improving the quality/performance of the system design solution, as it enables the exploration of a larger solution space. This will result in a better response to dynamic and rapidly changing system requirements. Social implications This work provides a sustainable approach for the design of modular assembly systems (MAS), which will ensure better resource utilization. Additionally, the standardization of the data and the support of low cost tools is expected to benefit industrial companies, particularly the small- and medium-sized enterprises. Originality/value This approach offers a service-based platform which uses production data to incorporate reusability aspects into the design process of modular assembly system. Moreover, it provides a framework for modular assembly system design by extending the current design processes and interactions between stakeholders. To support this, a standardized method for information representation and exchange across the several phases of the RMAS design activity is briefly illustrated with an industrial case study.

A technique for integrated modelling of manual and automatic assembly

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuval Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Code Generation ◽  
Computer Control ◽  
Modelling Technique ◽  
Integrated Modelling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Automated Assembly ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Seamless Transition ◽  
Automated Processes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a comprehensive modelling technique that supports the assembly of very complex products that require intensive use of both computerized worker guidance and automation. The modelling enables the planning of this complex process. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed approach utilizes and extends typical product documentation (such as route cards and bill of materials (BOM)) to form hierarchical Petri net in a stepwise process. The suggested framework models the dynamic progress of the assembly process, and can generate route card instructions for manual operations, or ladder diagrams (LDs) for automation. Findings – The model can help the generation of computerized control over route cards for manual assembly operations. For automated processes, the translation algorithm of the model to LD enables its application on currently available equipment (programmable logic controllers (PLCs)). Research limitations/implications – The proposed framework heavily depends on the BOM data quality. So it is crucial to verify that the BOM data is not ill-defined before applying the proposed framework. Future research could report on the implementation of this model in assembly processes, or suggest another modelling technique. Practical implications – The model enables the integration of computer control over both manual and automated assembly processes. This enables seamless transition between these two very different operations. This ability carries the promise of reducing the cost of code generation and maintenance, and contributes to the progress towards more flexible automation. Originality/value – This paper presents a new comprehensive modelling technique that may support planning, simulating, tracing, and controlling the assembly process. The technique for the first time integrates modelling of both manual and automated assembly operation.

scholarly journals Impact of Window to Wall Ratio on Energy Loads in Hot Regions: A Study of Building Energy Performance

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1080
Author(s):  
Mamdooh Alwetaishi ◽  
Omrane Benjeddou
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Design Solution ◽  
Building Energy Efficiency ◽  
Climatic Regions ◽  
Heating And Cooling

The concern regarding local responsive building design has gained more attention globally as of late. This is due to the issue of the rapid increase in energy consumption in buildings for the purpose of heating and cooling. This has become a crucial issue in educational buildings and especially in schools. The major issue in school buildings in Saudi Arabia is that they are a form of prototype school building design (PSBD). As a result, if there is any concern in the design stage and in relation to the selection of building materials, this will spread throughout the region. In addition to that, the design is repeated regardless of the climate variation within the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This research will focus on the influence of the window to wall ratio on the energy load in various orientations and different climatic regions. The research will use the energy computer tool TAS Environmental Design Solution Limited (EDSL) to calculate the energy load as well as solar gain. During the visit to the sample schools, a globe thermometer will be used to monitor the globe temperature in the classrooms. This research introduces a framework to assist architects and engineers in selecting the proper window to wall ratio (WWR) in each direction within the same building based on adequate natural light with a minimum reliance on energy load. For ultimate WWR for energy performance and daylight, the WWR should range from 20% to 30%, depending on orientation, in order to provide the optimal daylight factor combined with building energy efficiency. This ratio can be slightly greater in higher altitude locations.

scholarly journals Implementation of dimensional management methodology and optimisation algorithms for pre-drilled hinge line interfaces of critical aero assemblies – A case study

2020 ◽  
pp. 095440542097810
Author(s):  
Konstantinos C Bacharoudis ◽  
David Bainbridge ◽  
Alison Turner ◽  
Atanas A Popov ◽  
Svetan M Ratchev
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Engineering Problem ◽  
Hole Diameter ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Mechanical Assembly ◽  
Hinge Line ◽  
Management Procedure ◽  
Dimensional Management ◽  
Optimisation Algorithms

A dimensional management procedure is developed and implemented in this work to deal with the identification of the optimum hole diameter that needs to be pre-drilled in order to successfully join two subassemblies in a common hinge line interface when most of the degrees of freedom of each subassembly have already been constrained. Therefore, an appropriate measure is suggested that considers the assembly process and permits the application of optimisation algorithms for the identification of the optimum hole diameter. The complexity of the mechanical subassemblies requires advanced 3D tolerance analysis techniques to be implemented and the matrix method was adopted. The methodology was demonstrated for an industrial, aerospace engineering problem, that is, the assembly of the joined wing configuration of the RACER compound rotorcraft of AIRBUS Helicopter and the necessary tooling needed to build the assembly. The results indicated that hinge line interfaces can be pre-opened at a sufficiently large size and thus, accelerate the assembly process whilst the suggested methodology can be used as a decision-making tool at the design stage of this type of mechanical assembly.

Online versus offline: preferred retail choice for premium brand purchase

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rituparna Basu ◽  
Neena Sondhi
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Model ◽  
Logit Analysis ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sales Personnel ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Shopping Experience ◽  
Brick And Mortar ◽  
Chi Square Analysis ◽  
Retail Format

PurposeThis exploratory study aims to examine the prevalent triggers that motivate a premium brand purchase in an online vs offline retail format.Design/methodology/approachA binary logit analysis is used to build a predictive model to assess the likelihood of the premium brand consumer seeking an online or an offline platform. Demographic and usage-based profile of the two set of consumers is established through a chi-square analysis.FindingsThree hundred and forty six urban consumers of premium branded apparels residing in two Indian Metros were studied. A predictive model with 89.6% accuracy was validated for distinguishing premium brand buyers who shop at brick-and-mortar store or online platforms. Quality and finish were factors sought by the online buyer, whereas autotelic need, pleasurable shopping experience and social approval were important triggers for an in-store purchase.Research limitations/implicationsThe study posits divergent demographics and motivational drivers that led to an online vs offline purchase. Though interesting and directional, the study results need to be examined across geographies and categories for establishing the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe study findings indicate that premium brand manufacturers can devise an omni-channel strategy that is largely tilted toward the online platform, as the quality conscious and brand aware consumer is confident and thus open to an online purchase. The implication for the physical outlet on the other hand is to ensure exclusive store atmospherics and knowledgeable but non-intrusive sales personnel.Originality/valueThe study is unique as it successfully builds a predictive model to forecast online vs offline purchase decisions among urban millennials.

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