Effect of applying independence axiom of Axiomatic Design theory on performance of an Integrated Manufacturing Information System: a computer simulation modeling approach

To control manufacturing processes, integration of flows of manufacturing information is an important starting point. In this regard, an effective Integrated Manufacturing Information System (IMIS) which is capable of monitoring, analyzing, and inspecting manufacturing processes properly is critical. Often, most of difficulties in achieving an effective IMIS stem from a poor design for the system architecture. This study particularly addresses the problem of coupling in architecture of an IMIS and its effect on the system performance. This study employs “Independence Axiom” of the Axiomatic Design (AD) theory to deal with the problem and uses “times in process” and “utilized capacities of available resources” as two important criteria for evaluating the system performance. To verify the proposed methodology, a real IMIS is addressed, its stochastic behavior is simulated in Visual SLAM and AweSim (version 3.o) software environment, and the outcomes are analyzed by using logistic regression method for each level of system decomposition. Results of the analyses indicate that fulfillment of independence axiom of AD theory can significantly enhance performance of the concerned IMIS.

Ergonomic Bench to Decrease Postural Risk Level on the Task of Changing Forklift's Brake Pads

Development of musculoskeletal disorders caused by awkward postures are present in tasks performed in small companies. Consequently, this chapter evaluates the postural risk level associated to the task of changing brake pads of a forklift, and proposes the design and the implementation of an ergonomic bench that helps to reduce this level of postural risk. As methods, postural risk level corresponding to the task was determined using REBA, whereas anthropometric analysis was developed, and axiomatic design and TRIZ methodologies were used to develop the proposed design. Results showed a REBA score of 8 (high-risk level). The final design is done of nylamid, and it contains some TRIZ principle, such as copying, extraction, and dynamicity. Respect axiomatic design, the bench meets some functional requirements, such as support the user's weight, avoid unsafety conditions, and be adjustable. With the TRIZ principles and functional requirements, this bench will help diminish postural risk level.

A GRAPH PARTITIONING TECHNIQUE TO OPTIMIZE THE PHYSICAL INTEGRATION OF FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR AXIOMATIC DESIGN

According to the concept of physical integration as understood in Axiomatic Design, design parameters of a product should be integrated into a single physical part or a few parts with the aim of reducing the information content, while still satisfying the independence of functional requirement. However, no specific method is suggested in the literature for determining the optimal degree of physical integration in a given design. This is particularly important with the current advancement in technologies such as additive manufacturing. As new manufacturing technologies allow physical elements to be integrated in new ways, new methods are needed to help designers optimize physical integration given the specific constraints and conflicts of each design. This study proposes an algorithm which uses graph partitioning to allow a designer to optimize the integration of functional requirements into a target number of parts, with the goal of minimizing the co-allocation of incompatible functional requirements in the same part. The operation and viability of the algorithm is demonstrated via two numerical examples and a practical example of designing a pencil.