The University of Texas at San Antonio
UTSA Digital Collections (The University of Texas at San Antonio)Not a member yet
42217 research outputs found
Sort by
Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing; FAIM 2014
No full textPaper presented at the Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing, held May 20-23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, and organized by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, University of Texas at San Antonio; Includes bibliographical references; Intense pressures for quality control are experienced by automotive parts suppliers to stay tuned in competitiveness and to build a long-term relationship with automotive manufacturers. The automotive parts suppliers are urged to contribute towards enhancing the overall quality of national car. E-quality is a process through which inspection of the process and quality of the part produced is done online resulting in the improvement of the process and reduction in the amount of time consumed for the overall process. Automated quality control involves using a methodology to classify the parts based on the damages or the dimensions of the features on a part. However, achieving high classification accuracy is not an easy task, especially in area of quality control where small differences in damages or dimensions result in part fall into a different category. And also the traditional 2D vision is not as reliable as 3D measurement due to the limitations of the technology and the structure of a part. In this study, a novel approach which integrates photometric stereo reconstruction and 3D measurement for 3D inspection is presented. The data extracted from brake caliper and lever brake was used as case study to demonstrate the proposed methodology. Results show that the new methodology yielded superior results compared to the traditional inspection approach with very high classification accuracy. Moreover, the proposed approach is capable to archive 3D models of the parts and achieve rapid quality control. This paper forms the basis for solving many other similar problems that occur in many industrie
Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing; FAIM 2014
No full textPaper presented at the Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing, held May 20-23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, and organized by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, University of Texas at San Antonio; Includes bibliographical references; Due to the major advantages such as reduced time to market and improved quality at lowered cost, the principles of design for assembly capabilities and concurrent engineering are of great significance when developing new products. However, identifying assembly requirement specifications and considering them in New Product Development (NPD) in a timely manner, while securing efficiency and robustness of assembly processes, still remains a challenging task. In presenting a case study of an NPD project in a manufacturing company, this article focuses on the process of capturing and incorporating the requirements related to the assembly system during the early phases of NPD. Further, the results of the research study indicate the different assembly requirements in the case company and pinpoint the challenges in practices involved in handling them. The assembly requirements identified in this research reflect some of the challenges encountered in handling the requirements, through the investigated requirement practice. Based on the results, the issues of when and how to consider the assembly requirements are highlighted in the conclusions and suggestions for future research are mad
Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing; FAIM 2014
No full textPaper presented at the Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing, held May 20-23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, and organized by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, University of Texas at San Antonio; Includes bibliographical references; Decision Support Systems (DSS) have evolved from being considered as a competitive edge to a survival strategy. In different echelons of a value chain, when DSS is combined with lean tools it drives out not only the non-value added activities (muda a.k.a. waste) from the process but also provides a decision making tool at the hands of the people. In this paper, a successful implementation of a Scheduling and Quality Decision Support System (SQDSS) at a service sector, a direct mail (letter shop) company is explained. The two primary benefits garnered were (1) attainment of 100% scheduled delivery date adherence with less rework, and (2) a seamless communication platform across the value chain to see quality defects, plan the work, and to make the product flow efficiently across the value stream. The unique contribution of this work is the original implementation of a web based decision support system that was the backbone of reducing the complexity of scheduling and improving the quality of service delivery in a high variety and low volume letter shop environmen
Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing; FAIM 2014
No full textPaper presented at the Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing, held May 20-23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, and organized by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, University of Texas at San Antonio; Includes bibliographical references; This article presents a harmonized decision modeling framework for smart grid component allocation. The harmonized decision modeling process is intended to realize a decision support system for the smart grid system analysis. The traditional decision modeling processes have mainly stresses the economic feasibility of smart grid systems. However, the mathematical programming-based decision models for component allocation in smart grid systems are often designed without the enough consideration on the operational circumstances of component, and it reduces the utility of the solution. Our framework considers the operational circumstances of the system and the feasibility in terms of solving process for achieving a practical decision. As a case study, we present a component allocation of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) in smart grid systems. With the obtained results, the advantages gained from the harmonized decision modeling process are assessed and discusse
Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing; FAIM 2014
No full textPaper presented at the Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing, held May 20-23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, and organized by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, University of Texas at San Antonio; Includes bibliographical references; With the transformation to "Industry 4.0", companies are faced with new challenges in the production created by intelligent networking. Flexible information gathering as well as the distribution and supply of information are needed. High economic potentials by the usage of sensor networks in factories and production systems are expected. It is necessary to standardize procedures for assessing the increased demands for sensors and their implementation in the factory. A main problem is the gap with regards to the contents of the two technical areas Factory Planning/Factory Management and Sensor Technology. This article describes procedures for the integration of sensors in production systems as well as procedures for the development of sensors and sensor networks. The significant differences between both areas are the separated consideration of the two areas out of macro perspective and micro perspective. It is essential to define interfaces in planning and development strategies of both fields to attain sensor-based factories and facilities efficiently and also to show possible benefits of those considerations. The combined design process of systems and sensor technology can help to handle the diversity of interfaces in the implementation process of sensor systems and will also lead to a higher level of system integratio
Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing; FAIM 2014
No full textPaper presented at the Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing, held May 20-23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, and organized by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, University of Texas at San Antonio; Includes bibliographical references; In today's highly dynamic manufacturing environment smooth information flow between planning and shop floor level is essential to ensure rapid reaction to changes. Unfortunately, the currently utilized dispersed MS Excel applications for production scheduling and control don't provide such an information flow. The transparency between different operational levels, and therefore the big picture, is lacking. To illustrate these challenges, this paper presents the first results of interviews, conducted among Finnish machine building companies, relating to the current practices and challenges as well as future requirements for manufacturing operations management and control system
Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing; FAIM 2014
No full textPaper presented at the Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing, held May 20-23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, and organized by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, University of Texas at San Antonio; Includes bibliographical references; The Lean paradigm transforms a production company from utilisation-centric planning into a system in which other operating conditions such as short flow times, local control, and reduction in variation are weighted as well. This paper studies how the scheduling of production changes when the above three conditions are implemented. Their effects are studied by constructing an optimisation model for the scheduling of a flow shop. The optimisation model is based on the following ideas. First, when the flow time is emphasised, the objective of the scheduling changes from utilisation to a short flow time. Second, if local control is used, it means that the optimisation is done locally, i.e. individually at each station, and it concerns the makespan at the station. Third, if the variation is reduced, the processing times and arrival times have less variation and the scheduling can force the flow times to have less variation by using first-in-first-out (FIFO) sequencing. The experimental results achieved using the model describe how and in which order the operating conditions under study should be implemented in the scheduling. For example, if utilisation is important, local control and FIFO should not be used before variation is reduce
Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing; FAIM 2014
No full textPaper presented at the Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing, held May 20-23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, and organized by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, University of Texas at San Antonio; Includes bibliographical references; Most commercial CAD/CAE/CAM software programs offer Product Data Management and Product Lifecycle Management functionality that incorporates 3D design/graphics, engineering drawings, digital archiving and revision control, collaboration tools and centralized databases for managing information and facilitating reduced times to market. Although these systems are powerful and available for product designers, engineers and managers, over-stated capability and cumbersome user interfaces often fail to deliver on promises made to customers. In addition, the resources for implementing these programs and the high cost of software licenses have forced many companies (especially small-medium sized) to post-pone or reconsider plans to invest in this promising technology. This paper describes a methodology for streamlining the engineering and development of new products using computer aided applications and software made using Application Programming Interface tools. Advances in computing and engineering will bring new ideas and innovation to make the product development process more agile and customizable to the needs of each company. This paper focuses on combining the areas of CA'X' based product development and software engineering to address some of the shortcomings of "off the shelf"programs and raise awareness of the possibilities that exist when CAD/CAE/CAM is viewed as the hub of a more integrated and flexible working environment that is rich with accessible informatio
Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing; FAIM 2014
No full textPaper presented at the Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing, held May 20-23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, and organized by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, University of Texas at San Antonio; Includes bibliographical references; A virtual enterprise (VE) is a product oriented temporary consortium which forms a collaboration platform to fulfil a specific common purpose (typically to create a product) by benefiting from various capabilities of multiple VE partner enterprises. VE lifecycle consists of 3 distinct phases including VE Formation, Operation and Dissolution. VE partner enterprises are selected from virtual breeding environment (VBE) based on specific criteria considering the new VE project specifications. In order to select the most appropriate partners for the forthcoming VE project, it is required to have comprehensive information regarding the VBE members, their current conditions, capabilities, capacities and their past performances. This database continuously changes and it is dynamic. Ontologies and the corresponding knowledge bases provide the best tools for modelling such complex domain knowledge and highly dynamic data requirements. Ontologies not only help model and capture complex domain knowledge, but also improve the sharing and reusability of data and knowledge providing a suitable environment for software agents and human communications. The VE system must be able to demonstrate what types of resources exist, where they are located, and how much resource capacity is available to be used by the consortium. In this paper a pilot Virtual Enterprise system model developed for OSTIM organized industrial park in Ankara will be presented in detail. The objective of this system model is to enable SMEs in the region to collaborate effectively in order to produce eco-friendly high value added product
Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing; FAIM 2014
No full textPaper presented at the Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Flexible Automation & Intelligent Manufacturing, held May 20-23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, and organized by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, University of Texas at San Antonio; Includes bibliographical references; Energy harvesting using horizontal wind turbines is investigated and a performance analysis is done and compared over a period of time using identical rooftop wind turbines. In many buildings, especially high rises, air ventilation systems are operated non-stop with a constant air speed. Real time applications are mainly used with vertical wind turbines, but they have limited efficiency due to wind airflow distribution. Small modifications on wind turbines and ventilator systems can improve the airflow of the vent systems as well as the efficiency of the wind turbine. Using ventilator systems can eliminate weather prediction modelling due to constant airflow and non-stop operation of the ventilator systems. This study shows that even though wind airflow may be stronger at various times during the day, the average power production using a ventilator system is quite large. The ventilator systems can be named a new renewable energy source due to their constant energy production possibilitie