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Developing a routing capability of the existing flexible conveyor system

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A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a manufacturing system in which there is some amount of flexibility that allows the system to react in the case of changes, whether predicted or unpredicted. This flexibility is generally considered to fall into two categories which are machine flexibility and routing flexibility. rnRouting flexibility consists of the ability to use multiple machines to perform the same operation on a part, as well as the system's ability to absorb large-scale changes, such as in volume, capacity, or capability. The purpose of this thesis work is to improve the existing material handling system which is the belt conveyor system by adding a flexible routing capability in order to be used for educational purposes in Swiss German University for example in the FMS Laboratory. rnDuring the thesis work of improving the existing flexible conveyor, the author found some problem formulations. First is to create an intregrated material flow between flexible conveyors. Next is to design a control system by integrating the microcontrollers to control the integrated system. Finally is to improve the productivity of the flexible conveyor by replacing all of its actuators. The proposed methodology by the author is basically to construct two additional flexible conveyor modules, then shorthen the extending or retracting time of the conveyors?s end, and to add flexible routing into the system. Previous mechanical design with some modification will be used to construct more modules. Its control system as well as electrical system will be done after the mechanical parts are done and assembly is completed. Next programming and the application is conducted. Finally, the performance of the system should be analyzed thoroughly. Results and analysis of the flexible conveyor system are by replacing the type of actuator used the author achieved shorter period of time used by conveyor to extend or retract. The time ellapsed from the previous conveyor to extend and retract has now shorten to one-tenth compared with the existing flexible conveyor. Routing flexibility has now implemented. The route can be determined manually or can be sorted according to the material of the workpiece (metal and non-metal) automatically. In conclusion, routing capability implemented in the flexible conveyor is a significant improvement. In the previous flexible conveyor, it can only handle on type of material, but now it can sort up to two types of material. The additional flexible routing can be a useful feature for educational purposes. In addition, more conveyor modules may add more configurations that can be made by the improved flexible conveyor system. For future development, the author recommends to replace the actuator with the best option which is pneumatic actuators and implement the plug and play system into the flexible conveyor system.

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Availability

B01089

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Available

Detail Information

Series Title

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Call Number

1089

Publisher

: Swiss German University., 2012

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Language

English

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Classification

NONE

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Subject(s)

MT

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