The output performance of assembly lines is not only affected by machine unreliability and limited buffer capacity but also constrained by line-side buffers. The analytical modeling and performance evaluation of multi-stage assembly lines with line-side buffers were investigated. Firstly, for the single-stage assembly lines, the steady-state probability distribution of system states was derived based on Markov chains. Secondly, for the two-stage assembly lines, each single-stage subsystem was modeled as a machine with one operational state and one failure state. A performance evaluation model was then established using Markov chains, and closed-form expressions for performance indicators were obtained. Thirdly, for the multi-stage assembly lines, an aggregation method was proposed to approximate the performance indicators. Furthermore, the accuracy of the performance evaluation method was validated through numerical experiments. Finally, utilizing the proposed method, numerical experiments were conducted to examine system properties, such as reversibility and monotonicity in the multi-stage assembly lines.
物料供给是生产系统运作管控的重要环节,直接影响着生产过程的运作效率和质量水平[13-15].近年来,国内外学者针对生产系统物料供给问题开展了大量研究,相关成果主要集中在供给模式选择、空间布局规划和集成调度优化等方面.Lu等[16]针对飞机移动装配线的物料供应问题,建立了物料组批(material batching)与牵引车调度(tow-train scheduling)和线边零件库存空间分配的集成决策模型,提出了1种混合内分泌-免疫算法(hybrid endocrine-immune algorithm,HEIA)对问题进行了求解.沈继统等[17]研究了电子产品混流装配线物料供给模式的选择决策问题,在考虑物料准备、运输和装配过程的成本等因素上建立了线边备货(line stocking)、看板(kanban)和台套供应(kitting)3种配送模式的选择决策模型,计算出不同配送模式间的盈亏平衡点,求得各个配送模式的最佳成本区间.Zangaro等[18]研究了装配线的物料供给和产线平衡集成决策问题(joint assembly line balancing and feeding problem),建立了混合整数线性规划(mixed-integer linear programming)模型,提出了1种混合自适应变邻域搜索方法对问题进行了求解.
LuShao-jun, CuiLong-qing, ZhaoTing, et al. Review and prospect of artificial intelligence methods for collaborative optimization of high-end equipment manufacturing[J]. Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems, 2022,28(7):1940-1952.
[3]
YiY, YanY H, LiuX J, et al. Digital twin-based smart assembly process design and application framework for complex products and its case study[J]. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 2021, 58: 94-107.
HuangXue-mei, WangYue-chao, TanDa-long, et al. Simulation platform for reconfigurable assembly line based on digital manufacturing environment[J]. Journal of Northeastern University(Natural Science), 2004, 25(5): 489-492.
[8]
ZhaoC, KangN X, LiJ S, et al. Production control to reduce starvation in a partially flexible production-inventory system[J]. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 2018, 63(2): 477-491.
ZhouBing-hai, FeiQian-ran. Multi-objective scheduling algorithm for mixed-model assembly line considering energy consumption[J]. Journal of Northeastern University (Natural Science), 2020, 41(2): 258-264.
[11]
GershwinB. Manufacturing systems engineering[M]. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 1994.
[12]
LiJ S, MeerkovS M. Production systems engineering[M]. New York: Springer, 2008.
[13]
WangJ Q, YanF Y, CuiP H, et al. Bernoulli serial lines with batching machines: performance analysis and system-theoretic properties[J]. IISE Transactions, 2019, 51(7): 729-743.
[14]
DiamantidisA, LeeJ H, PapadopoulosC T, et al. Performance evaluation of flow lines with non-identical and unreliable parallel machines and finite buffers[J]. International Journal of Production Research, 2020, 58(13): 3881-3904.
[15]
WangF F, JuF. Transient and steady-state analysis of multistage production lines with residence time limits[J]. IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, 2020, 18(1): 122-134.
[16]
BaiY S, TuJ C, YangM Z, et al. A new aggregation algorithm for performance metric calculation in serial production lines with exponential machines: design, accuracy and robustness[J]. International Journal of Production Research, 2021, 59(13): 4072-4089.
[17]
MichalosG, MakrisS, PapakostasN, et al. Automotive assembly technologies review: challenges and outlook for a flexible and adaptive approach[J]. CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology, 2010, 2(2): 81-91.
[18]
QinJ, LiuY, GrosvenorR. A categorical framework of manufacturing for industry 4.0 and beyond[J]. Procedia CIRP, 2016, 52: 173-178.
[19]
ZammoriF, BragliaM, CastellanoD. Just-in-time parts feeding policies for paced assembly lines: possible solutions for highly constrained layouts[J]. International Transactions in Operational Research, 2016, 23(4): 691-724.
[20]
LuZ Q, ZhuH W, HanX L, et al. Integrated modelling and algorithm of material delivery and line-side storage for aircraft moving assembly lines[J]. International Journal of Production Research, 2019, 57(18): 5842-5856.
ShenJi-tong, WangChuang-jian, XuXian-hao. Research on the decision-making problem of material supply mode for mixed-flow assembly line of electronic products[J]. Industrial Engineering and Management, 2023,28(1): 110-119.
[23]
ZangaroF, MinnerS, BattiniD. The multi-manned joint assembly line balancing and feeding problem[J]. International Journal of Production Research, 2023, 61(16): 5543-5565.
[24]
YanC B, ZhaoQ C, HuangN J, et al. Formulation and a simulation-based algorithm for line-side buffer assignment problem in systems of general assembly line with material handling[J]. IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, 2010, 7(4): 902-920.
[25]
MindlinaJ, TempelmeierH. Performance analysis and optimisation of stochastic flow lines with limited material supply[J]. International Journal of Production Research, 2022, 60(17): 5293-5306.
CuiPeng-hao, LiCheng, JiangZhong-zhong. Performance evaluation and inventory control of two-machine assembly lines with parts inventories[J]. Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems, 2024, 30(1): 289-299.
[28]
ZhaoC, LiJ S, HuangN J. Efficient algorithms for analysis and improvement of flexible manufacturing systems[J]. IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, 2016, 13(1): 105-121.
[29]
KangY Y, JuF. Integrated analysis of productivity and machine condition degradation: performance evaluation and bottleneck identification[J]. IISE Transactions, 2019, 51(5): 501-516.