Parallel Feeder Exchange Layout for Operator Passage Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In production systems with multiple parallel production lines, narrowing the interval between lines to save space results in loaders stopping at overlapping positions, blocking passage for operators and preventing access between lines.
Innovation Solution
A production system design with parallel first and second production lines, each equipped with feeder exchange devices that can pass by each other, allowing loaders to stop at a predetermined distance apart during production stops, ensuring a passage for operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the interval between multiple production lines is narrowed to save space, then the space utilization is improved, but the passage for operators is blocked when loaders stop at overlapping positions
Solution Approach 1:
The loader stop positions are made dynamic rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the stop positions of loaders in adjacent production lines based on real-time conditions, allowing them to be separated by a predetermined distance or more when needed to maintain operator passage, while still enabling close spacing of production lines for space efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If loaders are positioned at intervals that allow them to pass by each other, then operator passage is maintained, but the interval between production lines must be larger reducing space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining a permanently large interval between production lines, the system dynamically controls loader stop positions to achieve separation only when loaders are stationary. During operation, loaders can pass each other in the narrowed interval, maximizing space utilization while ensuring operator passage is available when loaders are stopped.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple production lines are arranged in parallel with narrow intervals, then space is saved, but loaders stop at overlapping positions blocking the path for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic control of loader stop positions to prevent overlapping when production is stopped. The control device ensures loaders in adjacent production lines stop at positions separated by a predetermined distance or more, eliminating path blocking for operators while maintaining narrow intervals between production lines for space savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors the positions of loaders in adjacent production lines and adjusts stop positions based on feedback about loader locations. This feedback mechanism ensures that loaders are positioned at intervals that prevent path blocking while maintaining efficient space utilization in the production system.
Data Source
AI summary
A production system includes a first production line and a second production line arranged in parallel with each other, and a first feeder exchange device and a second feeder exchange device respectively provided in each production line at an interval with which the first feeder exchange device and the second feeder exchange device can pass by each other. When the production is stopped, the first feeder exchange device and the second feeder exchange device stop at intervals of a predetermined distance or more in a board conveyance direction.