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Article
Publication date: 7 April 2015

Xi-Ning Li, Xiao-Gang Dang, Bao-Qiang Xie and Yu-Long Hu

– The purpose of this paper is to develop digital flexible pre-assembly tooling system for fuselage panels.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop digital flexible pre-assembly tooling system for fuselage panels.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper analyzes the technological characteristics of fuselage panels and then determines the pre-assembly object. Second, the pre-assembly positioning method and assembly process are researched. Third, the panel components pre-assembly flexible tooling scheme is constructed. Finally, the pre-assembly flexible tooling system is designed and manufactured.

Findings

This study shows the novel solution results in significantly smaller tooling dimensions, while providing greater stability. Digital flexible assembly is an effective way to reduce floor space, reduce delivery and production lead times and improve quality.

Practical implications

The tooling designed in this case is actually used in industrial application. The flexible tooling can realize the pre-assembly for a number of fuselage panels, which is shown as an example in this paper.

Originality/value

The paper suggests the fuselage panel pre-assembly process based on the thought including pre-assembly, the automatic drilling and riveting and jointing, and constructs a flexible tooling system for aircraft fuselage panel component pre-assembly.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2022

Md. Helal Miah, Jianhua Zhang and Ravinder Tonk

Regarding the assembly of the fuselage panel, this paper aims to illustrate a design of pre-assembly tooling of the fuselage panel for the automatic drilling riveting machine…

Abstract

Purpose

Regarding the assembly of the fuselage panel, this paper aims to illustrate a design of pre-assembly tooling of the fuselage panel for the automatic drilling riveting machine. This new prototype of pre-assembly tooling can be used for different types and sizes of fuselage panels. Also, apply to the automated drilling and riveting machine of the fuselage panels.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the different structures of the fuselage panel, the position of the preassembly tooling components, location of the clamp and position of the fuselage panel are determined. After that, the overall structure of the preassembly tooling is designed, including the movable frame and the cardboard. The cardboard positioning module and the clamping module formulate a detailed design scheme of preassembly tooling for the fuselage panel. The structure of the pre-assembled tooling is optimized by static analysis. The result of the overall design is optimized by using MATLAB and CATIA-V5 software, and the results meet the condition of the design requirements.

Findings

The traditional assembly process of the fuselage is to install the fuselage panel on the preassembly tooling for positioning the hole and then install it on the automated drilling and riveting tooling for secondary tooling. Secondary tooling can consume assembly errors of the fuselage panel. The new prototype of flexible tooling design for the fuselage panel not only avoids the secondary tooling error of the fuselage panel but also meets the preassembly of different types of fuselage panels.

Research limitations/implications

The further development of the flexible tooling design of the fuselage panel is to reduce the error of sliding tooling due to friction of the sliding components. Because if the assembly cycle is increased, the sliding parts will lose material due to corrosion. As a result, the repeated friction force is the root cause of the positioning error of sliding parts. Therefore, it is necessary to engage less corrosive material. Also, the lubricant may be used to reduce the corrosion in minimizing the positioning error of the sliding tool components. In addition, it is important to calculate the number of assembly cycles for efficient fuselage panel assembly.

Originality/value

According to the structure and assembly process characteristics of the fuselage panel, the fuselage panel preassembly tooling can optimize the assembly process of the fuselage panel and have certain practical application values.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 95 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2008

D.T. Matt

The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodological guidance for the practical use of the axiomatic designed production module template presented in a former publication. The…

2608

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodological guidance for the practical use of the axiomatic designed production module template presented in a former publication. The objective is to accelerate the design process and increase the quality of results in the design of lean production systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Two case studies based on practical cases were presented to different test teams. A first test cycle helped to improve the user friendliness of the axiomatic designed tree of functional requirements and design parameters. The second test cycle served to prove the practicability of the template, comparing the teams' results with the realized solution.

Findings

Based on the teams' feedbacks, ten “easy‐to‐use” steps for the systematic design of lean production systems were developed. The guideline obtains the best results if used in combination with the value stream mapping concept.

Research limitations/implications

Apart from one case study in injection moulding, practical evaluations were focused on applications in the field of manual, hybrid or automated assembly systems, which perhaps limits the applicability of the presented approach in some machining processes.

Practical implications

Several successful implementations demonstrated the validity of the presented method in terms of results, planning time and user friendliness. Even students with nearly no practical experiences in production system design were able to present astonishing results within short timeframes.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need of a methodological guidance in the design of lean production systems and offers practical help to shorten the design times and improve the quality of the design results.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 19 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 November 2014

Roel Gijsbers and Jos Lichtenberg

Most buildings are hardly ever technically equipped to adapt to ever changing user demands. Adaptability of building components is known as an essential technical aid to…

Abstract

Purpose

Most buildings are hardly ever technically equipped to adapt to ever changing user demands. Adaptability of building components is known as an essential technical aid to facilitate flexible use. However, for designers and developers it is very difficult to foresee how design decisions related to flexible use effect the efficiency of the technical system, especially when adaptations have to be realized in the future. Due to the large number of variables and interrelations, a structured approach is indispensable to translate (future) user demands into technical solutions for flexible use. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present a novel method that can assist designers to systematically find suitable measures for flexible use. This method, named comparative selection method for adaptability measures (CSA method), is developed specifically to impartially select and compare adaptability measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The CSA method is principally based on a performance approach, where technical solutions are compared and matched to performance requirements. To accomplish that, specific tools and theories were transferred from industrial product development. The CSA method displays the benefits of lifespan-oriented design, since a distinction is made between initial, once occurring effects and the effects that come with each expected adaptation.

Findings

In contemporary building practice the initial phase is critical for decision making. By a number of case studies, the application of the CSA method reveals that tailor-made solutions with a high degree of adaptability are in fact the most efficient for the long term. Hereby the view is confirmed that a lifespan-oriented approach in design decisions is essential for a sustainable and future-proof building stock.

Originality/value

The CSA method is a newly developed and unique support tool that assists in optimizing flexible building design through the search for best fit adaptability solutions.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2000

Peter Gröndahl and Mauro Onori

The Assembly Systems Unit at the Royal Institute of Technology and IVF Stockholm has developed several Flexible Automatic Assembly (FAA) cell solutions over the years (Mark I…

Abstract

The Assembly Systems Unit at the Royal Institute of Technology and IVF Stockholm has developed several Flexible Automatic Assembly (FAA) cell solutions over the years (Mark I, Mark II, Mark IIF and Mark III). The industrial reality, however, clearly points out that the basic notions of flexibility must be extended and be enhanced without increasing the complexity. This has led our research team to revise the ideas and solutions available for manual and automatic assembly, resulting in the Hyper Flexible Automatic Assembly (HFAA) project. The paper describes the driving factors behind the needs and objectives for the HFAA project, as well as how it will present a standardised set of assembly process‐oriented system components. The paper also describes the new Mark IV application. This industrial HFAA system is being developed in order to test the concept’s industrial viability. The HFAA concept will allow the user to start from a manual assembly station and gradually add assembly equipment. The basic concepts of stepwise automation, standard assembly machine and sub‐batch principle emanate from our previous research.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1990

K. Chaharbaghi

One of the most challenging problems facing industrial engineersconcerns the design and operational planning of today′s sophisticatedproduction systems. The need for a detailed…

Abstract

One of the most challenging problems facing industrial engineers concerns the design and operational planning of today′s sophisticated production systems. The need for a detailed quantitative analysis is far more apparent than ever before. The application of discrete‐event simulation has been growing rapidly in the analysis of production systems. This is because no other quantitative methods can provide the flexibility, realism and predictive accuracy offered by the simulation technique. Although the important role that simulation can play in analysing production systems has now been generally realised, its use is not necessarily straightforward. The successful implementation of simulation projects usually depends on several factors which include, inter alia, the availability of simulation expertise and the ability of the available simulation software to model readily and accurately the environment under consideration. The areas of production systems where simulation can be applied are outlined. The essential considerations which must be studied when applying simulation are also discussed. An overview of simulation modelling environments that are currently used is then taken. Recommendations for future work of importance from the system analysis viewpoint are highlighted.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 10 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2015

Ribeka Takahashi, David T. Fullwood, Travis M. Rampton, Darrell J. Skousen, Brent L. Adams and Christopher A. Mattson

Microstructure-sensitive design (MSD), for optimal performance of engineering components that are sensitive to material anisotropy, has largely been confined to the realm of…

Abstract

Purpose

Microstructure-sensitive design (MSD), for optimal performance of engineering components that are sensitive to material anisotropy, has largely been confined to the realm of theory. The purpose of this paper is to insert the MSD framework into a finite element environment in order to arrive at a practical tool for improved selection and design of materials for critical engineering situations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the recently developed Hybrid Bishop-Hill (HBH) model to map the yield surface of anisotropic oxygen free electronic copper. Combining this information with the detailed local stresses determined via finite element analysis (FEA), a “configurational yield stress” is determined for the entire component. By varying the material choice/processing conditions and selecting the directionality of anisotropy, an optimal configuration is found.

Findings

The paper provides a new FEA-based framework for MSD for yield-limited situations. The approach identified optimal directionality and processing configurations for three engineering situations that are particularly sensitive to material anisotropy.

Research limitations/implications

The microstructure design space for this study is limited to a selection of eight copper materials produced by a range of processing methods, but is generalizable to many materials that exhibit anisotropic behavior.

Originality/value

The introduction of MSD methodology into a finite element environment is a first step toward a comprehensive designer toolkit for exploiting the anisotropy of general materials (such as metals) in a way that is routinely undertaken in the world of fiber-based composite materials. While the gains are not as sizeable (due to the less-extreme anisotropy), in many applications they may be extremely important.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1997

Mr.Mike McConnell and Rachel A Harris

The paper outlines the contemporary field of virtual universities in the US and UK, and discusses potential future issues that may affect this educational market. The authors…

Abstract

The paper outlines the contemporary field of virtual universities in the US and UK, and discusses potential future issues that may affect this educational market. The authors contend that there is no such thing as a ‘model’ virtual university, and the composition of a successful virtual educational environment will depend very much on factors such as the courses being delivered, the nature of the student body (both local and remote), and a range of institutional issues. Certain issues, however, will always apply to the processes of virtual education regardless of the audience and institution. The authors outline these generic elements that will contribute to a successful virtual university.

Details

VINE, vol. 27 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-5728

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1991

Anna Kochan

There is only one word to describe French research activities in the field of robot and production technology and that is dynamic. During a two‐day conference held in Paris in…

Abstract

There is only one word to describe French research activities in the field of robot and production technology and that is dynamic. During a two‐day conference held in Paris in January, more than 50 research groups presented their work. Organised by the International Institute of robotics and artificial intelligence at Marseille, the conference aimed to present a round‐up of Government‐sponsored research and development being undertaken in France in the field of robotics and production technology. It is the first time such an event has been held and more than 240 participants attended.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2021

Sami Wasef Abuezhayeh, Les Ruddock and Issa Shehabat

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and explain how organizations in the construction sector can enhance their decision-making process (DMP) by practising knowledge…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and explain how organizations in the construction sector can enhance their decision-making process (DMP) by practising knowledge management (KM) and business process management (BPM) activities. A conceptual framework is developed that recognises the elements that impact DMP in terms of KM and BPM. The development of this framework goes beyond current empirical work on KM in addition to BPM as it investigates a wider variety of variables that impact DMP.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is undertaken in the context of the construction industry in Jordan. A theoretical framework is developed and assessment of the proposed framework was undertaken through a questionnaire survey of decision-makers in the construction sector and expert interviews.

Findings

The outcomes of this research provide several contributions to aid decision-makers in construction organizations. Growth in the usage of KM and BPM, in addition to the integration between them, can provide employees with task-related knowledge in the organization’s operative business processes, improve process performance, promote core competence and maximise and optimise business performance.

Originality/value

Through the production of a framework, this study provides a tool to enable improved decision-making. The framework generates a strong operational as well as theoretical approach to the organizational utilization of knowledge and business processes.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

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