US 6,801,821 B2 · Assembly line control system

Abstract

An assembly line control system, and more particularly, an automotive assembly line storage and lot controlled system is disclosed. A communications network is overlaid onto a manufacturing assembly line. The assembly line includes a number of readers and processing stations to determine and confirm the identity of vehicles passing proximate to the readers and processing stations, and the vehicles' build instructions, status, position, condition, defect and repair history, etc. This information is stored in a computer database. Based on the information stored about the vehicles, the status of inventories, production schedules and the like, a routing of the vehicles through the manufacturing process is determined and implemented. The assembly line incorporates various storage loop and shunting lanes so that members of a lot of vehicles, having similar build instructions, are more likely to be placed into contact with each other, reducing possible parts changeovers, meeting production schedules, accommodating a shortfall in parts availability, etc.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An assembly line for processing assemblies, said assemblies formed into lots, and each lot having a manufacturing priority, said assembly line comprising:

a plurality of conveyors to move said assemblies from a first point to a second point;
a plurality of switching points interconnecting said plurality of conveyors to form a plurality of paths from said first point to said second point, at least some of said plurality of paths conveying said assemblies to different sets of assembly line workstations;
and
a controller for controlling said plurality of switching points such that a lot of assemblies moves along a path to a set of assembly line workstations and reaches said second point according to the manufacturing priority of said lot and such that said assemblies of said lot are substantially contiguous upon reaching said second point,
wherein said controller is for controlling such that a first lot of assemblies having a higher priority than a second lot of assemblies by-passes said second lot of assemblies.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Assembly line control system

Life of this patent

Assembly line control system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16