Mobile Assembly Units for Mixed-Product Plant Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current assembly processes in plants are limited to assembling a single type of product or customized products, as they do not allow for the efficient assembly of different products or products with various specifications on the same assembly line.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of mobile assembling units that are programmed to move over an array of part chambers in a specific path to selectively pick designated parts based on an assembling sequence, allowing for the assembly of different products or products with different specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional assembly line is used to assemble a single type of product, then assembly efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different products or specifications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly line is transformed from a static configuration to a dynamic one by introducing mobile assembling units that can move along the assembly floor. These units are programmed to follow specific paths and can be reconfigured through software to assemble different products, enabling both high efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile assembling units are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple product types and specifications. Through programmable control and selective part pickup from different part chambers, a single unit can perform various assembling tasks, replacing the need for dedicated assembly lines for each product type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the assembly line is reconfigured to assemble different products, then adaptability is improved, but assembly efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Parts are pre-positioned in designated part chambers before the assembling units arrive. The system generates assembling sequences in advance that determine the path and timing for each mobile unit, allowing units to efficiently pick parts and assemble products without downtime for reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reconfiguration of traditional assembly lines with a software-based control system. Mobile assembling units are programmed through computer instructions to change their assembly sequences and paths, eliminating the need for physical reconfiguration and maintaining continuous high-speed operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile assembling units are introduced to assemble different products, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central control system that acts as an intermediary between the mobile assembling units and the part chambers. This control system generates assembling sequences, manages unit paths, and coordinates part delivery, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing intelligence rather than distributing it across multiple independent units.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are techniques for assembling products using mobile assembling units. An assembling sequence to assemble products using the mobile assembling units is generated, where an assembling sequence refers to the order of operations performed by the mobile assembling units, including the paths traveled in the assembly plant to selectively pick designated parts from designated part chambers of an array of part chambers, which forms the assembling floor of the assembly plant. Furthermore, such an assembling sequence specifies not only the path to obtain such parts, but also specifies the specific parts to be picked from the specified part chamber, the assembling of such parts, including which mobile assembling units are to perform such assembling, etc. Additionally, the mobile assembling units are programmed to move over the array of part chambers in a particular path to selectively pick designated parts from designated part chambers based on the assembling sequence.