Parallel Cell Production Layout for Mixed Vehicle Manufacturing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle manufacturing methods are inflexible and unable to efficiently produce a variety of vehicle types, limiting the ability to respond to diverse customer needs and requiring shutdowns or separate constructions in case of abnormalities, while being restricted to mass production in external factories.

Innovation Solution

A parallel cell-based mobility production system comprising a serial production line and parallel production lines, where vehicles of various types are processed through a series of cells arranged in series and sublines, allowing for flexible operation and rapid changes in production facilities, enabling production within downtown factories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional mass production method using conveyors is used, then production efficiency for a single vehicle type is improved, but the ability to respond to diverse customer needs and produce various vehicle types is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidability to produce various vehicle types
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The production system is divided into multiple independent cells, each capable of performing specific tasks. These cells can be arranged in series or parallel configurations, allowing the system to handle different vehicle types simultaneously while maintaining high productivity for each type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The production line configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable. Cells can be rearranged from series to parallel arrangements based on production requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different vehicle types and production volumes without complete reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a consistent sequence manufacturing process is used, then process stability is improved, but the ability to handle abnormal situations and continue production is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess stabilityVSAvoidability to continue production during abnormalities
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The production process is segmented into independent cells that can operate autonomously. When an abnormality occurs in one cell, other cells can continue operating, ensuring production continuity and reducing the impact of disruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates buffer zones and inventory management between cells to cushion against disruptions. This allows the system to absorb shocks from abnormal situations and maintain steady production flow even when individual cells experience issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If all processes have the same working hours, then scheduling simplicity is improved, but production flexibility and response to customer needs are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling simplicityVSAvoidproduction flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each cell is equipped with independent control systems that allow flexible scheduling and operation hours. This enables the system to prioritize certain vehicle types or processes based on customer demand while maintaining overall coordination, achieving both flexibility and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If a traditional vehicle manufacturing method is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to quickly produce various vehicle types is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidspeed of producing various vehicle types
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is divided into modular cells that can be independently configured for different vehicle types. This segmentation allows simultaneous production of multiple vehicle types using the same facility, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized cell designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cells are designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple vehicle types and tasks. This multi-functionality allows the same cell to produce different vehicle types by reconfiguring tools and fixtures, enabling quick production transitions without sacrificing manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11858572B2Parallel cell based mobility production system
Publication Date: 2024.01.02 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11858572B2 patent drawing
  • US11858572B2 patent drawing
  • US11858572B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A parallel cell based mobility production system is disclosed. The system includes a serial production line composed of a plurality of cells arranged in series, and through which the vehicles of various types are sequentially passed to be processed. The system further includes a parallel production line composed of a plurality of sublines arranged in parallel, wherein each subline is provided with the plurality of cells arranged in series and matched for each vehicle type, and in which a vehicle passing through the serial production line is fed to a corresponding subline for each vehicle type. Furthermore, the system includes an inspection line in which the vehicles of various types passing through the parallel production line are sequentially fed.