Customization-Oriented Product Flexible Manufacturing Experience System Design Based on VR

Joint optimization for coordinated configuration of product families and supply chains by a leader-follower Stackelberg game

Car Latch (CL) has very complex mechanical structure, requiring strict technological process, and it is difficult to realize automatic manufacturing. In allusion to above problem, a kind of embedded flexible assembly system (FAS) for CL based on laser identification (LAI) has been put forward according to wide investigation and analysis for current CL assembly technology. In this paper, FAS idea is firstly brought into CL manufacturing. So kinds of CL can be assembled according to different production demands and flexibility of this system can be fully presented. CL structure and its technological processes are analyzed. By the introduction of LAI, Latch piece location and key outline identification problems are resolved in process of its assembly. Embedded micro process unit (EMPU) acts as a main controller, and closed loop control system, which has abundant control functions is implemented to realize control task for the whole assembly process. The idea of modularization is adopted, and that makes this system have strong augmentability and multiplexing ability to meet different assembly demands. A number of industry field experiments proved that this system locates exactly, runs stably, and increases the production efficiency of CL.

As part of a study conducted by Esso Australia investigating means of reducing the high cost of construction of submarine pipelines in Bass Strait, flexible risers connecting bottom-towed steel pipelines and the topsides of freed platforms were identified as a potential means of providing significant cost savings. To assess the concept, an extensive program of dynamic analyses and state model tests in a large wave-current flume were undertaken. This paper presents the findings of these analytical and test studies. Additional dynamic analyses were performed to assess the sensitivity of flexible riser performance to various changes in hydromechanics and other design parameters. A number of recommendations were developed for design criteria and analytical parameters for flexible riser systems, not addressed in current codes of practice for such systems. Introduction The relative remoteness of Australia from major centres of offshore oil and gas activity presents a number of problems to the viability of potential offshore field developments, notably the cost of mobilization of specialist construction vessels, such as derrick and pipelaying barges, pipe reeling vessels and diving support vessels (DSVS). In recent years Esso Australia Ltd. (EAL) has used innovative engineering and new construction techniques, minimizing or avoiding the use of such vessels altogether, to make substantial reductions in the cost of development of offshore structures and facilities in Bass Strait. Most future field developments in Bass Strait involve much smaller reservoirs than in the past, such that the high cost of conventionally installed pipelines, which has References, tables and figures at end of paper been identified as a major component of the total cost of such projects, would either preclude development or would make it a marginal proposition. In view of these considerations, EAL initiated the "Pipeline Cost Reduction Study" (PCRS), investigating novel pipelaying procedures to identify cost effective means of installing pipeline links to new marginal field developments. One of the innovations investigated in the PCRS was the use of single-catenary flexible risers as tie-ins to fixed platforms from on-bottom steel pipelines. This paper describes wave tank testing and dynamic numerical analysis of this concept, and discusses design criteria and analytical parameters for use in the design of such flexible riser systems. The following section introduces the PCRS. Section 3 develops the criteria used for the design of flexible riser systems. Section 4 describes the dynamic numerical analysis and the use of FLEXCOM-3D, while Section 5 describes the physical model studies including the effect of spectral versus regular waves and the influence of the structure. Section 6 discusses the design parameters obtained and compares the capabilities of numerical and physical models this discussion is summarised in Section 7 Conclusions. The Pipeline Cost Reduction Study and Its Application The PCRS identified a number of alternative methods of construction and new pipeline configurations which might offer substantial savings in pipeline cost. The most promising concepts were reviewed and the technical feasibility of specific aspects which offered the possibility of significant reductions in the cost of installation of the pipelines for a number of future projects were established.

As one of important means to deal with the changeful demand of market, flexibility is crucial for enterprise production system to enhance its adaptability and stability. How to evaluate the flexibility of enterprise production system is a problem urgently to be solved. The paper analyses the factors that influence the flexibility of enterprise production system and establishes evaluation index systems, then brings forward an evaluation model and solves it by using a compositive method. Namely, it uses grey statistics to establish fuzzy evaluation matrix and obtains the weight of every index by grey relative analysis, then evaluates production system flexibility in terms of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. It gives a beneficial academic reference to promote the flexibility of enterprise production system. Finally, an example is given to show how to use this model to evaluate the flexibility of enterprise production system.

Manufacturing systems are becoming more and more flexible to confront uncertainty in demands of multiple product types. In this paper, we study the properties of flexible manufacturing systems from the perspective of demand shortfall and service level as functions of setup time, nonhomogeneous capacities and demand distributions. Closed-form bounds as well as an accurate estimate of the service level are obtained. Sensitivity analyses of service level with respect to reductions in setup time, downtime and cycle time are carried out, and the impact of new product launch and product correlation on system flexibility is investigated. Note to Practitioners: The strategic decision-making issues in flexible production system management are critical. Questions facing plant or enterprise teams are how manufacturers should plan and evaluate their system flexibility profile in order to wisely invest in and upgrade their flexible equipments? Or which factory out of many they should choose from to launch a new product given different flexibilities of the plants? In order to answer these questions, we study production system flexibility measures in terms of matching production capacities and demands. Accurate estimates of demand shortfall and the service level are obtained. The results lead to measurements on how much demand shortfall a manufacturer generates when confronting its demand and production uncertainty. By taking advantage of such metrics, one can compare distinct improvement plans. To further understand such measurement, sensitivity analyses of service level with respect to reductions in setup time, downtime and cycle time are carried out, and the impact of new product launch and product correlation on system flexibility is investigated. The results can be used to guide strategic system flexibility planning.

On the zeros of three-DoF damped flexible systems

The article discusses the CA systems use and the application of the modularity principles in the design new, or modernizing existing production systems. This paper describes the principle of modularity as a tool for streamlining design. Design of system with the help of computers and assisted by programs. These allow creating 3D model design before the actual implementation. It is also possible to compile a control circuit simulation and detect and eliminate deficiencies still in design stage. In paper conclusion is illustrated design, automation of existing painting line for the varnish handles. Described principles have been applied, as well as CA systems, CATIA and FluidSim.

The aging population has led to an increase in the variety and volume of transportation demands by people facing travel difficulties. Hence, transportation organisations need to provide flexible and sustainable paratransit services to meet these increasing demands. In this study, we investigate the design of flexible vehicle scheduling systems in order for a community organisation to serve more people and achieve higher operational efficiency. We analyse and propose a system design based on user requirements for different types of paratransit types. Further, we identify an integrated service option and process flow for dial-a-ride passengers to ride on a vehicle with schedule route passengers. Because this option involves a complex decision, we formulate the problem as a two-stage decision model. To verify the effectiveness of our proposed design, we perform numerical simulations and conduct a case study by collaborating with a transportation organisation. We found that the proposed system would enable the organisation to serve more people with fewer vehicles but without an increase in the travelling time. These results demonstrate the importance of a flexible vehicle scheduling system for accessible transportation organisations to sustain their service operations.

A method for the design of flexible assembly systems

Assembly Planning in the Design of Flexible Assembly Systems

Problems encountered in detailed design of flexible riser systems

The need for timely information in the e-business world provides the impetus to develop a flexible database system with the capability to adapt and maintain performance levels under changing queries and changing business environments. Recognizing the importance of providing fast access to a variety of read-only applications in today's e-business world, we introduce the systems architecture for developing and implementing a flexible database system to achieve considerable gains in processing times of read queries. The key component of a flexible database system is query mining, the concept of determining relationships among query properties, alternative database structures, and query processing times. We validate the flexible database system concept through extensive laboratory experiments, where we embed learning tools to demonstrate the implementation of query mining.

The industrialisation and modern civilisation were ever being the landmark signs for European social modernisation. Its birth strongly suggested a series cause of remarkable social and historical change, and the reasons of modern design arise as well. Under such a view, it was revealed that the industrial manufacturing and technology became the first reason of modern design and presented a basic support for design’s modernisation. Meanwhile, the progress of industrial engineering gave a further effect on the development of modern design, where the progress in public architecture and civil engineering created new standards of structure, materials as well as of new aesthetic styles for design. Moreover, modern design also showed the relationship with European social systems and culture, for the latter, as the institutional or cultural factors, dominated the functions of technology and engineering practice to modern design movements.

The implementation of automation technology in the manufacturing industry has become a critical solution in facing global energy efficiency challenges. Amid increasing demands for reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions, the manufacturing sector is required to adopt innovative solutions in their operations. This study aims to analyze and evaluate energy efficiency strategies through the application of automation technology in the manufacturing sector, with a focus on optimizing energy consumption and increasing productivity. The research methodology uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including analysis of historical energy consumption data from 50 manufacturing facilities that have implemented automation systems, in-depth interviews with industry experts, and comparative evaluation of various automation technologies available in the market. The results show that the implementation of automation technology can reduce energy consumption by an average of 27.5% in the first 12 months, with an increase in production efficiency by 35%. Further analysis reveals that automation systems based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence provide optimal results in energy management, with an average return on investment of 2.3 years. The integration of smart sensors and automated control systems has proven to be effective in optimizing energy use in production processes, predictive maintenance, and peak load management. The study also identified key challenges in implementation, including high initial investment costs, personnel training needs, and the complexity of system integration. The study found that key factors for successful implementation include strategic planning, top management support, and a comprehensive training program. In conclusion, the application of automation technology in the manufacturing industry is an effective strategy to achieve long-term energy efficiency, with the potential for significant savings and increased industrial competitiveness.

Purpose Increasing flexibility and student mobility are among the most important objectives of today’s universities. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effects of student exchange process (SEP) on a campus management system (CMS), compare different models and recommend an improvement handling transfer process. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review of how credit transfer is handled in today’s CMS was conducted to understand the information management methods used in the student transfer process. On this basis, a flexible task-based system design is recommended to facilitate the transfer of educational gains between universities. For evaluating the effectiveness of different system designs in the SEP, the duration of information processing process steps was measured quantitatively via on-site observations and user interview in a university’s horizontal, vertical and the Erasmus student exchange (SE) data. Findings Building a flexible system design based on a loosely coupled mapping between curriculum and educational activities, and increasing the self-management capabilities of a student will facilitate managing SE data in an integrated environment and reduce the university staff’s workload considerably. Originality/value To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study making quantitatively measurement and comparison of different credit transfer methods of CMSs. Based on this result, the authors have recommended a new flexible method that supports increasing a student’s self-administration capabilities, reducing the workload of university staff, and contributes academic mobility.