An optimization method for components selection using quality function deployment

When a customer selects a product from a product family, the attributes of the components for selection are usually technical parameters instead of customer-familiar characteristics of the product. In this paper, an optimization method for components selection is proposed based on quality function deployment (QFD) to minimize the difference between the customer’s expectation and the selected product. The model is converted into an equivalent linear integer programming model to facilitate the solving approach. Fuzzy customer requirements are also considered in this model. A practical example from applying this model is presented to prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the model. The computation result shows that the mapping relations among the customer requirements, technical attributes, and component attributes are developed by matrices of house of quality (HoQ), and that the optimal solution corresponds reasonably with the customer requirements.     

Development of a machine tool selection system using AHP

The selection of appropriate machines is one of the most critical decisions in the design and development of an efficient production environment. In this study, we propose a decision support system for machine tool selection using an effective algorithm, the analytic hierarchy process. In the selection process, we first consider qualitative decision criteria that are related to the machine properties. Reliability and precision analyses may be included in the detailed evaluation procedure. Furthermore, the decision-maker may take into account the economical considerations through cost analysis. In addition, the robustness of the selection procedure may be evaluated using sensitivity analysis. An illustrative example of machine tool selection using the proposed methodology and the software implementation are provided.     

An AHP model for selection of suppliers in the fast changing fashion market

In the fast-changing fashion market, being flexible and adaptive is a key to survival. Therefore, supply chain strategy like quick response is important in the fashion or textile industry. Selection of suppliers to support such strategies is thus one of the most critical activities, but is not well studied. Traditionally, suppliers are selected usually based on quantity requirement and cost, which are not the only important issues in the operation of a textile supply chain nowadays. This study presents an example on solving the supplier selection problem in the apparel industry by using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which takes the operational performance (for example, flexibility, cost, and delivery) into account for supporting supply chain strategies. The system was implemented with the aid of the commercial software package Expert Choice. Based on the results from the AHP model, benefits of implementing quick response in apparel supply chains can also be verified.     

An expert system for fixturing design for face milling using modular fixture

The research objective of this paper is to develop an expert system for a modular fixture. We provide a complete fixturing procedure analysis for workpieces with different shapes such as L, I, T, and U types. In this system AutoCAD is used to draw the workpiece; then the data for points, lines, and faces are dealt with. Using the knowledge presentation method, the clamping position of the modular fixtures, the kinematics constraint balance and the fixture and cutting forces are determined. Integer programming is used to arrive at an optimal arrangement. In addition, the system provides a learning concept incorporating knowledge from experience and heuristic rules to enable repeated self-learning to compensate for the lack of knowledge. Finally, some examples are demonstrated.     

A general method for analysis of planar mechanisms using a modular approach

A method that covers both kinematic, inverse dynamic, dynamic, and static analysis of any type of planar mechanism is presented. The method is based on a subdivision of the mechanism to be analyzed into kinematic chains that are categorized as either neutral or expansion modules. The neutral modules are the well known Assur Groups, characterized by the fact that they have no effect on the degree of freedom of the mechanism. On the contrary each expansion module increases the degree of freedom by one. The coordinates that correspond to the indeterminancy of the expansion modules may be identified as a set of independent coordinates for the subdivided mechanism and used in any type of analysis. The method as it is described in the present paper has been implemented in a menu-controlled PC computer program CADME. A number of practical observations concerning the implementation of a modular approach is made and discussed.     

中小企业协同制造伙伴的AHP群决策优选方法

本文分析中小企业协同制造伙伴选择的关键影响因素和评价体系,分析AHP(层次分析法)和群决策技术,并在此基础上提出了AHP和群决策相结合的AHP群决策法,建立了其数学模型,给出了该方法的基本步骤,并通过实例验证了其正确性。     

基于Rough Sets的模块化机电产品综合评价方法与应用

在对模块化机电产品分析的基础上,建立了模块化机电产品综合评价模型.采用基于Rough Sets(粗糙集理论)的评价方法,简化筛选评价指标,再根据评价指标对评价对象的区分能力计算指标的重要度,进而综合评价出最优方案,并通过实例验证了该方法的可行性.     

成功实施ERP系统的关键要素

同一个牌号的软件应用在不同企业中，会产生不同的应用效果。这不是软件系统本身的问题，而是由于实施条件和力度不同造成的。在应用ERP系统的过程中，必须重视实施工作，强化实施工程项目的管理，才能使ERP系统获得成功。     

Decision making for material selection using the UTA method

The considered optimization problem deals with the design of the machine equipment used in a serial paced line. The cost and effectiveness of such a line depend on this decision. The investment cost can be reduced by optimizing the assignment of machining operations to the pieces of equipment. In this paper, new powerful metaheuristic methods applying the principles of a greedy randomized adaptive search procedure and a genetic algorithm are suggested for this problem. These methods are evaluated on a series of benchmarks and real industrial problems.     

Selecting and prioritizing key factors for CAD/CAM software in small- and medium-sized enterprises using AHP

In today’s fast-paced world, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems have become a necessary element in manufacturing industries. Prior to investment in a CAD/CAM system, it is essential for investor to know how to maximize their benefits from buying a new or by changing an existing CAD/CAM system. The purpose of this study is to provide a methodology to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies of Pakistan in selecting a CAD/CAM system. It will also facilitate the software providers in recognizing the current state of affairs as well as preceding problems regarding the application of CAD/CAM in manufacturing firms when assisting them in choosing the direction for future development simultaneously. To accomplish this purpose, data have been collected about current CAD/CAM systems. Important criteria for system selection and parameters for evaluation have also been identified and prioritized. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used as a decision-making technique for identifying and prioritizing important factors for CAD/CAM software selection. Expert Choice (AHP-based software) has been used to validate the results.     

Selecting and prioritizing key factors for CAD/CAM software in small- and medium-sized enterprises using AHP

In today’s fast-paced world, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems have become a necessary element in manufacturing industries. Prior to investment in a CAD/CAM system, it is essential for investor to know how to maximize their benefits from buying a new or by changing an existing CAD/CAM system. The purpose of this study is to provide a methodology to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies of Pakistan in selecting a CAD/CAM system. It will also facilitate the software providers in recognizing the current state of affairs as well as preceding problems regarding the application of CAD/CAM in manufacturing firms when assisting them in choosing the direction for future development simultaneously. To accomplish this purpose, data have been collected about current CAD/CAM systems. Important criteria for system selection and parameters for evaluation have also been identified and prioritized. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used as a decision-making technique for identifying and prioritizing important factors for CAD/CAM software selection. Expert Choice (AHP-based software) has been used to validate the results.     

基于有限元的模块化振动料斗动态分析

对振动料斗进行模块划分和有限元建模,运用有限元分析软件ANSYS对该模型进行动态分析,计算出振动料斗的固有频率和振型,以及对正弦激振的响应曲线。实际应用效果表明,该方法可有效地指导振动料斗的设计和调试。     

焊接机架辅助设计方法研究

分析焊接机架的组成,建立相应的层次结构计算机表示模型,表示焊接机架的功能信息和几何信息等,并在此基础上根据知识规则实现诸多功能。重点介绍自动确定杆件拼接形式功能、自动生成机架焊接顺序功能和自动进行节点板设计功能等,并用实例介绍使用过程和步骤。     

基于层次分析法和熵值法的产品广义质量综合评价方法

为客观有效地评价产品质量,以产品广义质量综合评价方法为基础,结合层次分析法和熵值法对指标权重值进行综合确定,使评价过程更加科学合理,避免了不合理结果的产生.以微型家用轿车为例,从技术性、经济性和社会性三方面对其综合性能进行评定.评价结果表明,此方法得出的评价结果符合客观实际,为用户选择产品提供了科学的依据.     

一种软件重构设计方法及其应用

提出一种可重用的总线式软件系统结构,实现软件模块的互换和即插即用。给出软件模块重用的实现技术——软件芯片的定义,将软件模块封装成软件总线和功能芯片两类芯片,分别论述其结构、功能及相关特性。开发一个基于软件芯片的诊断系统重构设计平台,给出应用设计实例。     

A morphological-based method for inverse offset generation. An application for surface reconstruction using mechanical digitizers

The mechanical digitizers are robust and accurate but they have the disadvantage of not providing the digitized surface directly. Moreover, the information provided is often presented as a cloud of points, which makes the surface interpolation process difficult. Presented in the paper there is an algorithm that virtually reproduces the digitalization process of traditional mechanical copiers. The reconstructed surface is computed from a “virtually digitised” model of the external cloud of points provided by digitizer. The algorithm is then analysed in terms of computing cost and accuracy. The proposed algorithm has been successfully implemented in a commercial CAD/CAM system specialized in shoe last design and machining. Finally, some illustrative examples are shown.     

Joint identification of modular tools using a novel receptance coupling method

The demand for modular tools in machining operations has been increasing, owing to their flexibility, reduced cost, and productivity improvements when compared to solid carbide tools. Essentially, modular tools are interchangeable cutters that are assembled together with a joint. The effects of joint dynamics are often neglected when characterizing the dynamics of assembled mechanical systems, due to the assumption of rigid connections. In such cases, deviations between real and predicted system dynamic responses are inevitable. To prevent chatter vibration in machining operations, the accurate prediction of the dynamics of the tools is critical. In this study, the classic receptance coupling technique is enhanced by identifying the joint dynamics between substructures through experimental and finite-element (FE) analyses. The rotational dynamics of a substructure is indirectly identified using a gauge tool. The characteristics of a fastener joint (such as mass, spring and damping elements) are identified. Further, with the identified joint dynamics, the dynamic properties of the modular tools with the new interchangeable carbide tools are also predicted. Various experiments have been performed to verify the effectiveness of the joint identification method for modular tools. The method enables designers to optimize dynamic behaviour in the conceptual design stage of modular tools to improve productivity while minimizing chatter vibrations.