Method and software application to assist in the conceptual design of aircraft final assembly lines. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gómez, A.; Ríos, J.; Mas, F.; Vizán, A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of manufacturing systems. Volume 40(2016)Part 1
• Page Start: 37
• Page End: 53
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Assembly process design -- Assembly line definition -- Process evaluation; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Production engineering -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Robots, Industrial -- Periodicals; Production, Technique de la -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Robots industriels -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 670.42
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsy.2016.04.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-6125

Abstract

Highlights: Conceptual assembly line definition method split into assembly line structure, layout, logistic plan and evaluation. Extension of a prior aircraft assembly line conceptual design model to support such guidance method. An activity-based approach to evaluate both transport and assembly cost. Adoption of a multi-criteria evaluation method for the decision-making process. Abstract: The decision-making process during the conceptual design of aircraft final assembly lines requires of software applications to assist industrialization engineers. This work proposes a method, a supporting model and ad-hoc software development to address that issue. The proposed method divides the problem of the assembly process definition into four parts: logistic plan definition, assembly line definition, layout design and evaluation of complete solutions. The proposed approach is implemented in a prototype software application that is integrated within a commercial software system widely used in the aerospace sector. Feasible design solutions, which are created by the user interactively, are evaluated and ranked with a Fuzzy Logic based multi criteria utility. A case study shows the feasibility of the proposed approach.