Cyclical Pallet Routing for Parallel Multi-Object Manufacturing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manufacturing systems face inefficiencies when producing multiple objects, as they often require objects to be manufactured sequentially, leading to delays and underutilization of multiple manufacturing devices.
Innovation Solution
A cyclical conveyor system that simultaneously cycles pallets through multiple manufacturing devices, each configured for different aspects of object production, using encoded manufacturing instructions to automate the manufacturing process and optimize device usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If objects are manufactured sequentially using multiple manufacturing devices, then each device can be used for a specific manufacturing aspect, but production time increases and device utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing system is segmented into multiple independent manufacturing devices, each responsible for a specific manufacturing aspect. Objects are divided into discrete pallets that can be independently processed through the cyclical conveyor system, allowing parallel processing of multiple objects simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclical conveyor system enables continuous operation by maintaining a constant flow of pallets through the manufacturing devices. The system operates in continuous cycles, eliminating idle time between manufacturing operations and ensuring that devices are continuously utilized without sequential waiting periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single object moves between multiple manufacturing devices, then different manufacturing aspects can be performed, but delays occur and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing devices are designed with multi-functionality, where each device can perform different manufacturing operations on different pallets within the same cycle. The system achieves versatility through the combination of specialized devices operating in parallel rather than through a single device performing multiple functions sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential one-dimensional processing to parallel multi-dimensional processing by introducing the time dimension. Multiple objects are processed simultaneously at different stages of the manufacturing cycle, transforming the manufacturing approach from a linear sequence to a concurrent multi-stage process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An example method for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of objects is described. The method includes simultaneously cycling a plurality of pallets through a conveyor system. The conveyor system is cyclical, and the conveyor system includes an entrance point for each pallet, an exit point, and a plurality of manufacturing points corresponding to a plurality of manufacturing devices. Simultaneously cycling the plurality of pallets includes simultaneously cycling the plurality of pallets past the plurality of manufacturing points for two or more cycles, wherein each pallet is associated with a set of manufacturing instructions for a corresponding object. The method further includes, while simultaneously cycling the plurality of pallets through the conveyor system, using a different combination of the plurality of manufacturing devices to manufacture each object in accordance with the set of manufacturing instructions associated with each pallet, thereby manufacturing different objects for each pallet.