Multi-Model Vehicle Assembly Line Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing series vehicle manufacturing methods are limited to producing only vehicles of the same model series on a single manufacturing line, as they require synchronized delivery of modules based on specific assembly stages and locations, restricting flexibility and efficiency in producing multiple model series.

Innovation Solution

A method where modules from different production locations are transported discontinuously to a common unloading station, where they are sorted and fed into a joint manufacturing line in the correct sequence, allowing for the production of multiple model series by synchronizing their assembly stages at a sequencing station, enabling flexible output ordering and reduced buffering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modules are delivered discontinuously from different production locations, then production flexibility and adaptability are improved, but synchronization complexity and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction flexibilityVSAvoidsynchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the starting times for module production at different production locations in advance, based on the planned number and order of output. This pre-planning of production schedules and synchronization times resolves the contradiction by establishing coordination before the actual production process begins, allowing flexible multi-model production without real-time synchronization complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the assembly stages and delivery times of modules from different production locations, and adjusting the starting times and delivery schedules accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that modules arrive at the sequencing station in the correct sequence while maintaining production flexibility across different model series

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Area of stationary object

If modules are unloaded alternately at a joint unloading station, then storage space requirements are reduced, but unloading time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunloading areaVSAvoidunloading time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing alternating unloading cycles for modules from different production locations at the joint unloading station. Instead of unloading all modules from one location before switching to another, the system performs periodic alternating unloading sequences that are optimized based on module priority, delivery deadlines, and assembly stage requirements. This reduces the peak storage area needed while managing unloading time through structured periodic operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the unloading sequence flexible and adaptive rather than fixed. The alternating unloading pattern can be dynamically adjusted based on real-time factors such as module assembly stage, delivery urgency, and production line requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize the balance between unloading time and storage area utilization based on current production needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If production is synchronized to deliver modules in correct sequence, then manufacturing precision and product quality are improved, but production time and coordination overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequence accuracyVSAvoidcoordination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the call-up sequences and starting times for module production at different locations. The synchronization plan is established in advance based on the planned production schedule, ensuring that modules will be delivered in the correct sequence without requiring complex real-time coordination. This advance planning achieves high sequence accuracy while minimizing coordination overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by designing the production system to automatically coordinate module delivery sequences through pre-established rules and algorithms. The synchronization mechanism operates autonomously based on predetermined parameters such as assembly stages, delivery distances, and production rates, reducing the need for manual intervention and coordination time while maintaining high sequence accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8844109B2Method for the manufacture of motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2014.09.30 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
  • US8844109B2 patent drawing
  • US8844109B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for manufacturing motor vehicles at a manufacturing location (S), from which ready-assembled motor vehicles are built in a planned number and order of output. First modules (MA) are delivered in a specific assembly stage discontinuously from a first production shop (PA) to the manufacturing location (S) and are fed continuously into a manufacturing line (F) in which the modules (MA) are manufactured into motor vehicles (A). Second modules (MB) be fed in a specific assembly stage from a second production shop (PB) into the joint manufacturing line (F) at a sequencing station (5) alternately with the modules (MA). Thus, vehicles of first and second model series can be manufactured on one and the same manufacturing line.