Patent abstracts

Citation

(2007), "Patent abstracts", Assembly Automation, Vol. 27 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2007.03327aad.006

Patent abstracts

Title: Method and system for small-lot orders to optimize production runs in the steel industryApplicant: IBM (US)Patent number: US7130712.Publication date: 31 October 2006.

Steel making is a batch production process in which batches of 250tons, called charges or heats, are grouped together in a single production run, called a cast. Because of fixed costs and downtime associated with cleanup and setup between casts, a cast of less than three charges is likely to be inefficient. As a result, short-run orders (such as, for example, orders of less than 750tons) may present efficiency problems. The present invention transforms the operation from a make- to-order model to a make-to-stock model, enabling orders to be clustered based on considerations such as grade and geometry to maximize the number of clusters that satisfy the cast-size constraint.

Title: Production lines utilizing auto guided pallet and production line design support systemApplicant: WATANABE HIROKAZU (JP); JOKO HITOSHI (JP); TSUNETA HARUHIRO (JP)Patent number: US2006048686.Publication date: 9 March 2006.

The present invention is a new manufacturing system which is small one that can mount on a desk and the like. The inventors call it a desk top factory (DTF) such as to mean a small factory. In the present application is described what “DTF” aims at and two main items are described in this report:

1. 1.

   A manufacturing system having an automatic guided pallet (AGP) (what is called “AGP”) as an automatic transport system. This AGP system is in harmony with an advantage of conventional two transfer systems of manufacturing lines that is, a flow shop type (what is called “assembly line”), which is suitable for a mass-manufacturing, has the advantage of being able to minimize the distance transferred between each process in the system and a job shop type (there is much to need a batch working) has an advantage of enabling traffic (go and return) between each process. The present invention develops an AGP that is suitable for one-by-one operation and can traffic (go and return) between each process. The present system can be used in a flexible manufacturing system where the volume of production is relatively low and there are a wide variety of products to be made.

2. 2.

   A manufacturing line design support system. One embodiment is that firstly, an operator inputs system design requirements of a manufacturing line design such as a working time of each process, an operating rate plant and equipment cost and the like, furthermore, the weight (importance) of each of the above requirements is inputted. Secondly, the system outputs some candidates, respectively. Finally, the system allows the construction of the optimum manufacturing line by simulations.

Title: Production line systemApplicant: HITACHI LTDPatent number: JP2005271129.Publication date: 6 October 2005.

Problem to be solved. To provide a production line system which facilitates change of a production line of small-batch products and enables flow production even in a small-scale area.

Solution. In the production line, a product is assembled during traveling of a product moving device along a traveling line. The traveling line is formed into a loop by a magnetic tape detachably attached to a traveling surface of the product-moving device. The product moving device is formed of a product mounting carriage on which the product to be assembled is mounted, a component part mounting carriage in which component parts necessary for assembly of the product is mounted, and a tow car including a magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetic tape and a driving wheel driven by a power means. Thus, the tow car travels along the looped traveling line while detecting the magnetic tape by the magnetic sensor, and tows the product mounting carriage and the component part mounting carriage.