Optimization of manufacturing equipment capacities in a batch manufacturing process
US6865432B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In an effort to achieve the lowest cost of goods (COG) possible, a key objective in batch manufacturing is to maximize equipment utilization so that the capacity and size of equipment per batch cycle is the smallest possible for a given batch production capacity. This optimization of equipment utilization minimizes equipment and direct utility costs per batch, as well as reduces the physical space and the associated utilities required to support manufacturing operations. The present invention provides a process of: (1) determining the optimal number of batch cycles per year for a required annual production capacity; and (2) determining the optimal number of equipment cycle iterations per batch cycle in a manner that: (a) creates the smallest batch sizes possible; and (b) achieves higher equipment utilization per batch cycle, thereby reducing the capacity and size of equipment required to produce a given batch quantity of product.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.