Research on an Interactive/Microcomputer Technique for Balancing Assembly Systems

摘要

This study aimed to determine the feasibility of an interactive, microcomputer-based hardware/software system for assembly line balancing and to develop plans for the creation of an innovative, cost-effective software package. The area of assembly system control also was examined. The algorithm is user-interactive in that it makes station assignments up to a pre-determined level of ideal station time and then permits the operator to complete any necessary assignments. Since the algorithm assigns one element at a time, it allows the operator to interfere at any point to impose restrictions. The effectiveness of the algorithm in handling problems that are due to line re-balancing is demonstrated. By using the algorithm to balance the same line for two, three, and four stations, a high level of assignment similarity, namely 92-97 percent, was achieved. The translation of the algorithm into a working microcomputer software package, followed by experimental runs for a 55-element product, is included along with a computer printout of one run. The system proposed here can help meet the need for effective control strategies within the U.S. assembly industry.