I-021
Toward a Science of Flexible Feeding
Authors: Michael S. Branicky, Greg C. Causey, Roger D. Quinn
Affiliations: Case Western Reserve University
Abstract
Flexible parts feeding techniques have recently begun to gain industry acceptance.
However, one barrier to effective flexible feeding solutions is a lack of knowledge
of the underlying dynamics at work in flexible part feeders. This paper begins to
address this topic. First, we discuss statistical modeling of the feeders' sub-systems
and the fed parts themselves. For each feeding situation, we construct a generalized
semi-Markov process (GSMP) model of the system that is built from these constituent
models. Such models allow for a compact description of the complete feeder system
and are amenable to high-level simulation and analysis. They can be used to answer
questions regarding: the overall system throughput for a variety of parts, control
strategies that may be employed to maximize throughput, and the trade-offs between
different physical designs of the feeder versus the class of parts being fed. The
paper closes with a discussion of future work that is required to mature our understanding
of the control and modeling of flexible feeders.
Greg Causey, Research Associate
Dept. of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Ohio, 44106-7222
phone / fax: 216-368-4851 / 6445
gcc@pris.eeap.cwru.edu