A design framework based on the segmented flow topology (SFT) for discrete material flow systems
Abstract
The efficiency of manufacturing systems both in terms of performance and cost has always been an important design goal. In recent years with the development of sophisticated hardware and the fierce competition for consumer markets, this goal has become not just essential for success but also for survival. The more efficient and cost effective you are, the better edge you have over your competitors. The use of carefully designed facility layouts in general and efficient material handling flow paths in particular have a direct impact on the performance of any manufacturing system. The design of material flow networks has an impact not only on the flow efficiency of jobs on the production floor but also on the type and complexity of the controller needed to manage these flows. The simpler the flow topology is, the more efficient the controller can handle and manage these flows. Several approaches were taken towards simplifying the manufacturing flow structure. However, the performance of these flow structures is impaired by the physical constraints used. Some of these limitations can be relaxed by using the Segmented Flow Topology (SFT) Network. The basic idea of this approach is to split the system into zones including pick-up and delivery stations where it is possible and cost effective in terms of workloads and hardware. Each zone is then segmented into non-overlapping segments each containing only one material handling device operating in a bidirectional mode. Buffers located at the segment's boundaries serve as transfer points between the segments. The flow paths within each zone are designed to support the shortest flow distances between the pick-up and delivery stations for each flow in that zone. A design framework procedure for the SFT network has been developed and implemented on the Intelligent Material Flow (IMF) Design Workstation at Purdue University.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Tanchoco, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Industrial engineering
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