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Article
Publication date: 26 October 2018

Biao Mei, Weidong Zhu and Yinglin Ke

Aircraft assembly demands high position accuracy of drilled fastener holes. Automated drilling is a key technology to fulfill the requirement. The purpose of the paper is to…

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Abstract

Purpose

Aircraft assembly demands high position accuracy of drilled fastener holes. Automated drilling is a key technology to fulfill the requirement. The purpose of the paper is to conduct positioning variation analysis and control for an automated drilling to achieve a high positioning accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The nominal and varied connective models of automated drilling are constructed for positioning variation analysis regarding automated drilling. The principle of a strategy for reducing positioning variation in drilling, which shortens the positioning variation chain with the aid of an industrial camera-based vision system, is explored. Moreover, other strategies for positioning variation control are developed based on mathematical analysis to further reduce the position errors of the drilled fastener holes.

Findings

The propagation and accumulation of an automated drilling system’s positioning variation are explored. The principle of reducing positioning variation in an automated drilling using a monocular vision system is discussed from the view of variation chain.

Practical implications

The strategies for reducing positioning variation, rooted in the constructed positioning variation models, have been applied to a machine-tool based automated drilling system. The system is developed for a wing assembly of an aircraft in the Aviation Industry Corporation of China.

Originality/value

Propagation, accumulation and control of positioning variation in an automated drilling are comprehensively explored. Based on this, the positioning accuracy in an automated drilling is controlled below 0.13 mm, which can meet the requirement for the assembly of the aircraft.

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2019

Feiyan Guo, Fang Zou, Jian Hua Liu, Qingdong Xiao and Zhongqi Wang

Manufacturing errors, which will propagate along the assembly process, are inevitable and difficult to analyze for complex products, such as aircraft. To realize the goal of…

Abstract

Purpose

Manufacturing errors, which will propagate along the assembly process, are inevitable and difficult to analyze for complex products, such as aircraft. To realize the goal of precise assembly for an aircraft, with revealing the nonlinear transfer mechanism of assembly error, a set of analytical methods with response to the assembly error propagation process are developed. The purpose of this study is to solve the error problems by modeling and constructing the coordination dimension chain to control the consistency of accumulated assembly errors for different assemblies.

Design/methodology/approach

First, with the modeling of basic error sources, mutual interaction relationship of matting error and deformation error is analyzed, and influence matrix is formed. Second, by defining coordination datum transformation process, practical establishing error of assembly coordinate system is studied, and the position of assembly features is modified with actual relocation error considering datum changing. Third, considering the progressive assembly process, error propagation for a single assembly station and multi assembly stations is precisely modeled to gain coordination error chain for different assemblies, and the final coordination error is optimized by controlling the direction and value of accumulated error range.

Findings

Based on the proposed methodology, coordination error chain, which has a direct influence on the property of stealthy and reliability for modern aircrafts, is successfully constructed for the assembly work of the jointing between leading edge flap component and wing component at different assembly stations.

Originality/value

Precise assembly work at different assembly stations is completed to verify methodology’s feasibility. With analyzing the main comprised error items and some optimized solutions, benefit results for the practical engineering application showing that the maximum value of the practical flush of the profiles between the two components is only 0.681 mm, the minimum value is only 0.021 mm, and the average flush of the entire wing component is 0.358 mm, which are in accordance with theoretical calculation results and can successfully fit the assembly requirement. The potential user can be the engineers for manufacturing the complex products.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

Gaurav Goyal, Harsh Vardhan Samalia and Piyush Verma

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of process simplification on the relationship between process integration and upstream supply chain flexibility in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of process simplification on the relationship between process integration and upstream supply chain flexibility in Indian automotive organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The three-step mediation analysis was performed using SPSS macro PROCESS to assess the mediating role of process simplification on the relationship between process integration constructs: top management commitment and supplier relationship; and upstream supply chain flexibility.

Findings

The results indicate a complete mediation effect of process simplification between supplier relationship and upstream supply chain flexibility, while partial mediation effect is noticed between top management commitment and upstream supply chain flexibility.

Practical implications

For Indian automotive managers, the study suggests that for improving the upstream supply chain flexibility, organizations must have a strategy towards improving the simplification of supply chain processes by upgrading technology and providing training to their suppliers. This understanding will help the automotive managers to simplify their upstream supply chain processes for gaining competitive positioning and maximizing the organizational profit.

Originality/value

This study has considered the mediating role of process simplification (a relatively less studied variable) specifically in the context of its impact on upstream supply chain flexibility. Also, the presented study explores this role in the Indian automotive domain which further enhances its value for both practitioners and researchers alike.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 67 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 September 2022

Theodore P. Stank, Anne E. Dohmen, Lance W. Saunders, Jason R.W. Merrick and Thomas J. Goldsby

The purpose of this research is to extend existing knowledge of supply chain agility by identifying the interrelationships among key elements of agility that may impact customer…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to extend existing knowledge of supply chain agility by identifying the interrelationships among key elements of agility that may impact customer performance improvement when conditions of demand and supply vary from the core assumptions used to design supply chain networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs the principles of middle range theorizing (Merton, 1968) to incorporate observations from field interviews and data collected from executives, managers, and analysts from six global manufacturing firms across a range of industries to form research propositions about the nature of relationships among cognitive agility dimensions, antecedent impediments to cognitive agility, and the relationships between cognitive and physical agility to improve performance that can later be subjected to deductive testing.

Findings

The supply chain designs used by the participating firms to deliver value for core products were not sufficiently agile to meet desired customer performance levels when certain supply or demand conditions varied significantly from the norm. In collaboration with partner firms, the findings suggest that improving cognitive abilities to see, think and act by deploying information-based tactical initiatives in planning, inventory positioning, and supplier lead time performance monitoring enable improved physical agility that enable a firm to respond to changes swiftly and flexibly in the demand and supply environment. Importantly, the findings also suggest that the dimensions of cognitive agility are correlated and are formative elements of the latent construct of cognitive agility, which is antecedent to physical agility.

Research limitations/implications

These findings are limited in scope to the six companies that participated in this research. Future explorations should generalize to a broader population of firms and conditions. The results do provide evidence of the relationships between the dimensions of agility that are both a contribution and should guide future research on the subject.

Practical implications

From a managerial standpoint, the research findings provide insight into how firms might manage agility to improve performance when demand and supply conditions vary from those for which the core supply chain was originally designed. The findings suggest that improving the ability to capture, process, and disseminate information, i.e. cognitive agility dimensions of alertness, accessibility, and decisiveness, facilitates improved information-based initiatives in planning, inventory positioning, and supplier lead time performance monitoring, which in turn enables improved physical initiatives to swiftly and flexibly respond to changes in the demand and supply environment. Such improvements ultimately result in heightened customer service and inventory performance.

Originality/value

Previous research is mute regarding the interrelationships among the identified dimensions of supply chain agility, specifically those considered to be “cognitive” elements and those that involve physical actions. The finding suggesting that the dimensions of cognitive agility are correlated and are formative elements of the latent construct of cognitive agility provides an important theoretical insight that contributes to enhanced understanding of the nature of supply chain agility to foster future quantitative explorations to better understand the phenomena.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 52 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2011

Philip Hedenstierna and Amos H.C. Ng

The positioning of the customer order decoupling point (CODP) is an important strategic consideration for supply chains. Recently, research has focused only on the static effects…

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Abstract

Purpose

The positioning of the customer order decoupling point (CODP) is an important strategic consideration for supply chains. Recently, research has focused only on the static effects of CODP positioning. The purpose of this paper is to expand the body of knowledge by describing the dynamic consequences that arise from shifting the CODP upstream or downstream.

Design/methodology/approach

A generic assembly‐to‐order system dynamics simulation model is developed and used to evaluate the dynamic consequences of shifting the CODP.

Findings

Placing the CODP downstream allows for short‐term fluctuations in demand to be absorbed by the order book, leading to a stable production rate and inventory response. This benefit must, however, be weighed against any additional safety stock a CODP placed far downstream may require.

Research limitations/implications

The paper demonstrates the importance of considering the dynamic aspects of CODP positioning. Further research should investigate the phenomenon for different demand scenarios and supply chain configurations.

Practical implications

Downstream shifting of the CODP has been identified as a powerful way to reduce variability in assembly‐to‐order systems.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the dynamic consequences of CODP location, providing a new perspective that should be considered when positioning the CODP.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 22 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 24 May 2007

Frederic Carluer

“It should also be noted that the objective of convergence and equal distribution, including across under-performing areas, can hinder efforts to generate growth. Contrariwise

Abstract

“It should also be noted that the objective of convergence and equal distribution, including across under-performing areas, can hinder efforts to generate growth. Contrariwise, the objective of competitiveness can exacerbate regional and social inequalities, by targeting efforts on zones of excellence where projects achieve greater returns (dynamic major cities, higher levels of general education, the most advanced projects, infrastructures with the heaviest traffic, and so on). If cohesion policy and the Lisbon Strategy come into conflict, it must be borne in mind that the former, for the moment, is founded on a rather more solid legal foundation than the latter” European Commission (2005, p. 9)Adaptation of Cohesion Policy to the Enlarged Europe and the Lisbon and Gothenburg Objectives.

Details

Managing Conflict in Economic Convergence of Regions in Greater Europe
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-451-5

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2016

Xianchuan Shi, Liang Gao, Lei Qian, Mingya Cheng and Kyle Jiang

The purpose of this paper is to develop a coiling robot in the production of coated elevator compensation chains to replace the manual coiling operations and improve the quality…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a coiling robot in the production of coated elevator compensation chains to replace the manual coiling operations and improve the quality of compensation chains.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces both mechanical and servo control system designs of the coiling robot. The structure of two friction wheels stabilizes the conveying speed of compensation chain, so the chain speed matches with the car speed. A centering mechanism pushes the chain to its original position. Seven servo motors are integrated into the system, and they are controlled by a servo control system based on programmable logic controller, positioning controller, analog output block and touch screen.

Findings

The results of the project show that the coiling robot can both greatly reduce the number of workers and the intensity of the work and improve the quality of the chain. The chain lid by the robot is not only neat, but also uniform in its inner stress.

Research limitations/implications

When the output speed of the compensation chain from the rear friction wheel does not match the coiling speed, the coiling operation has to be halted. Then, the operator adjusts the chain speed and restarts the coiling operation.

Practical implications

The coiling robot is proven working. It has been adopted by a leading company manufacturing compensation chains.

Originality/value

This is the first coiling robot which is practically used in a production line of compensation chains. Its design, mechanism and control systems are of great reference values to people.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 43 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2019

Ting Liu, Yan-Long Cao, Qijian Zhao, Jiangxin Yang and Lujun Cui

The purpose of this paper is to carry out an assembly tolerance analysis by means of a combined Jacobian model and skin model shape. The former is based on small displacements…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out an assembly tolerance analysis by means of a combined Jacobian model and skin model shape. The former is based on small displacements modeling of points using 6 × 6 transformation matrices of open kinematic chains in robotics. The latter easily models toleranced features with all kinds of geometric deviations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the procedure of performing tolerance analysis by means of the Jacobian model and skin model shape for assemblies. The point cloud-based discrete representative is able to model the actual toleranced surfaces instead of the ideal or associated ones in an assembly, which brings the simulation tools closer to reality.

Findings

The proposed method has the advantage of skin model shape which is suitable for geometric tolerances management along the product life cycle and contact analysis of kinematic small variations, as well as, with the Jacobian, enabling transformation of locally expressed parts deviations to globally expressed functional requirements. The result of the case study shows the accuracy of the method.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed approach has not been developed fully; other functional features such as the pyramid are still ongoing challenges.

Practical implications

It is an effective method for supporting design, manufacturing and inspection by providing a quantitative analysis of the effects of multi-tolerances on the final functional key characteristics and for predicting the quality level.

Originality/value

The paper is original in taking advantages of both Jacobian model and skin model shape to consider all geometric tolerances in assembly.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2007

Atle Midttun, Tore Dirdal, Kristian Gautesen, Terje Omland and Søren Wenstøp

The purpose of the paper is to explore the challenges of integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) with other strategic foci into the supply/contractor chain, both

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the challenges of integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) with other strategic foci into the supply/contractor chain, both conceptually and empirically, with a focus on one sectorial case: the Norwegian upstream petroleum industry. It compares contradictory theories of strategic focus and explores their implications for the organisation of the supply chain and discusses challenges and solutions for operative CSR‐oriented supply chain management

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis, inspired by the cognitive mapping approach, seeks to elicit the strategic profiles of the oil majors and suppliers/contractors in the petroleum industry. This is based on textual analysis of core statements of overall business strategy such as the CEO's and the Chairman's statement letter to the shareholders. The paper also draws on research and workshops with petroleum companies and their suppliers in the North Sea, as well as contracting experts and researchers taking part in the EU‐TRENDS project which focused on satisfying Europe's future demands and needs for sustainable, secure, safe and clean energy supplies.

Findings

The strategic profiles of the petroleum companies and their suppliers/contractors indicate that, while they coincide on many points, there is considerable discrepancy as far as CSR and HSE are concerned. The suppliers/contractors tend to emphasise the technology dimension more strongly than the petroleum companies. HSE and CSR are, on average, strategically under‐communicated within the supply industry compared with the petroleum companies, but there is also considerable variation within each group.

Research limitations/implications

The paper explores how transaction cost theory may help frame managerial challenges and approaches in integrating CSR consistently throughout supply chains. It shows some of the limitations of the “rationalist” model of industrial organisation both at the firm level and at the supply chain level and discusses possible expansions into broader managerial approaches.

Practical implications

The paper highlights some of the managerial challenges and basic approaches for integrating CSR consistently throughout the value chain.

Originality/value

The originality of the article lies conceptually in linking the CSR literature to transaction cost theory of industrial organisation. Empirically the article presents new insights into strategic foci of the petroleum companies and their supply chain.

Details

Corporate Governance: The international journal of business in society, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2013

Lei Hu, Yun Wang, Jie Zhang, Jun Zhang, Yan Cui, Lvzhong Ma, Junyuan Jiang, Liming Fang and Bangcheng Zhang

As Chinese massage is increasingly popular, many physicians are needed these days. In order to promote the experience and skills of experts and reduce labour intensity during…

Abstract

Purpose

As Chinese massage is increasingly popular, many physicians are needed these days. In order to promote the experience and skills of experts and reduce labour intensity during massage, a massage robot, which could reproduce the expert techniques with individualized manipulation parameters and enhanced safety control strategies, is presented in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The kinematic and force features of key massage techniques, such as Thumb Kneading, Pressing, Rolling, Vibrating and Pinching, are summarized by analyzing the massage processes of expert physicians, and a mathematical model for robotic massage is established. With safety issues taken into account, the overall system structure of the massage robot is proposed. The system generally consists of a positioning platform and a massage end‐effector which implements the massage techniques, and the end‐effector is further divided into a parallel mechanism and a massage hand to accommodate different techniques. Visual tracking is used for positioning acupuncture points by recognizing markers on a massage vest worn by the patient. A pain threshold value is introduced to individualize therapy schemes and a force‐position control method based on the pain threshold is presented.

Findings

VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) tests for lumbar muscle strain are carried out using the massage robot, and the treatment effect of the massage robot based on traditional Chinese massage therapy theory is initially validated.

Research limitations/implications

The treatment effect of the massage robot needs to be assessed clinically for more occasions and more clinical experiments will be conducted, to optimize the configuration and control strategy to meet the clinical needs in future work.

Originality/value

The robotic massage system presented in this paper is acting on acupuncture points based on traditional Chinese massage therapy theory, with human manipulation techniques reproduced and expert experiences incorporated. The massage robot can take the place of a massager to perform Chinese massage. Most of the massage robotic systems published in the world perform only one massage technique and the whole massage process is not completely considered. By comparison, the authors' massage robot could perform five techniques. Furthermore, the authors have designed the procedure of robotic massage specifically for patients who suffer from lumbar muscle strain.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 40 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

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