System and processes for performing quick changeovers on assembly lines
US7321803B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53313
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved method for instructing how to most efficiently effect a product changeover on an assembly line includes the steps of providing an instructional animation which schematically shows the steps which are to be taken by a plurality of workers to effect the changeover. Preferably, the animation is a computer animation, and includes color-coded representations of the various workers and the steps that should be taken in a particular sequence. Preferably, the workers are also provided with instructional badges which could be carried by the workers, and which are also color-coded. The animation will also include access to these color-coded instruction to provide further feedback to both the worker, and the supervisory personnel of the steps an individual worker should be taking during a particular point in the assembly in changeover. Further, the present invention includes a method of identifying a required changeover time including the steps of preparing a table showing the number of components which need to be changed, and then providing an identification of the required time for that particular changeover. The components are all preferably used in combination in a method of c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.