Single-row Layout Research Articles

A genetic algorithm for designing an integrated cellular manufacturing system considering a linear double-row layout

To design an integrated cellular manufacturing system, cell formation (CF), cellular layout (CL), and cellular scheduling (CS) need to be determined efficiently. In this study, we propose a theoretical model for designing a cellular manufacturing system that will optimise the total completion time by making these three interrelated decisions concurrently. In the theoretical model, linear single-row and double-row cellular layouts were applied, and a genetic algorithm (GA) to solve real-sized problems was developed and tested. The results of the study indicate that the proposed model with the linear double-row layout provides more reliable results than the single-row layout, and the GA achieves acceptable solutions in a more reasonable time period compared to the traditional solution method. [Submitted 30 December 2019; Accepted 28 July 2020]

A Novel Deep Learning Based ANPR Pipeline for Vehicle Access Control

Computer Vision and Deep Learning technology are playing a key role in the development of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to achieve the goal of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). ANPR systems and pipelines presented in the literature often work on a specific layout of the number plate as every region has a unique plate configuration, font style, size, and layout formation. In this paper, we have developed a smart vehicle access control system considering a wide variety of plate formations and styles for different Asian and European countries and presented novel deep learning based ANPR pipeline that can be used for heterogeneous number plates. The presented improved ANPR pipeline detects vehicle front/rear view and subsequently localizes the number plate area using the YOLOv4 (You Only Look Once) object detection models. Further, an algorithm identifies the unique plate layout, which is either a single or double row layout in different countries, and the last step in the pipeline is to recognize the number plate label using a deep learning architecture (i.e., AlexNet or R-CNNL3). The results show that our trained YOLOv4 model for vehicle front/rear view detection achieves a 98.42% mAP score, and the number plate localization model achieves a 99.71% mAP score on a 0.50 threshold. The overall average plate recognition accuracy of our proposed deep learning-based ANPR pipeline using R-CNNL3 architecture achieved a single character recognition accuracy of 96%, while AlexNet architecture recognized a single character with a 98% accuracy. In contrast, the ANPR pipeline using the OCR method is found to be 90.94%, while latency is computed as 0.99 s/frame on Core i5 CPU and 0.42 s/frame on RTX 2060 GPU. The proposed ANPR system using a deep learning approach is preferred due to better accuracy, but it requires a high-performance GPU for real-time implementation. The presented pipeline is developed and implemented for smart vehicle access control, but it can be deployed for any ANPR application.

Strategy to Reduce Floor Area and Flow Distance of Products in Multi-Row Parallel Machine Layout Design Using Cuckoo Search Algorithm

A multi-row parallel machine layout (MRPML) design is the best alternative solution to overcome the downside associated with a single-row machine layout design. Especially, the reduction in the investment cost on machines by eliminating its duplicates is the greatest advantage of a MRPML over the single-row machine layout. This paper addresses the MRPML design strategy to reduce the floor area of the layout along with a reduction in demand-based flow distance of products. The cuckoo search algorithm is used for this purpose. The efficacy of the proposed method is assessed and proved by comparing the solutions to the problems associated with single-row layout design dealt by [Lenin et al. Eur. J. Ind. Eng. 12(2) (2018) 252–275] and multi-row layout design dealt by [Vitayasak and Pongcharoen Exp. Syst. Appl. 98 (2018) 129–152] along with few randomly generated problems. This work provides a better tool to identify the optimal MRPML design to satisfy the objectives of mass production industries.

Effects of the external tendons on the system capacity and stud behavior in composite beams

For the studs in the composite beam under bending effect, axiel stress should be taken into account as well as the shear stress. This condition emphasizes the adherence between the studs and the concrete slab. Under the cyclic loading effect, lateral displacement of the stud leads to cavities in the concrete slab. These cavities affect the service life of the composite system. In this study, composite beams with fixed span and section properties are analyzed for different stud layouts. Reference specimens are strengthened with the use of tendon. This strengthening with the tendon has been made in order to limit the stress and deflection demands of the studs. For this purpose, experimental and numerical analyzes are carried out. Ansys Work Bench finite element program has been used for the numerical analysis.From the analysis results, stud count and the layout has been observed to be effective on the system behavior. For the lateral displacement of the system, the double row and the staggered layouts has given better results compared to the single row layout. It has been observed that the tendon added to the system has affected the stud stress distributions and stud lateral displacements positively. In addition, the tendon has contributed to the system capacity and the ductility.

Mixed Integer Programming Formulations for Single Row Facility Layout Problems with Asymmetric Material Flow and Corridor Width

In both the research and industry studies, mixed integer programming (MIP) is often the default method for solving facility layout problems. While MIP models for the single row layout problem have existed since the 1970s, comprehensive computational research has not been performed since then. In this paper, four different MIP models for the single row facility layout problem with simultaneous asymmetric material flow and corridor width (dubbed SRFLP_AC) are developed based on the decision variable paradigm. We present the computational results and discuss the model efficacy in terms of solution quality and computational budget. Moreover, the performance of two disjunctive models, MIP1 and MIP2, with indicator constraints is also analyzed. Finally, we analyze the effect of the symmetry-breaking constraint and different non-overlapping constraints on the most promising model.

Construction heuristics for the single row layout problem with machine-spanning clearances

ABSTRACTThe single row layout problem (SRLP) consists of finding an efficient arrangement of n machines arranged along one side of the material transportation path including clearances between machines. Undesired interactions between machines necessitate large clearances not only considered between adjacent machines, but also between machines arranged further away from each other. This new type of clearances, termed machine-spanning clearances, is considered in this paper. Based on previous works for the SRLP, a modified mathematical model of this problem is established in order to minimize the weighted sum of distances. To generate an initial solution, three construction heuristics are proposed and their performance is tested on several instances newly generated or taken from literature. Their results show that all of them perform well regarding the solution quality as well as the computational efficiency.

Design and optimisation of single row layout problem in flexible manufacturing systems using metaheuristic algorithms

In the manufacturing process, single row layout is preferred for configurations in flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) because of their material handling systems for transporting materials economically. The objective is to minimise the total distance of the travel by the material handling device. In this paper, particle swarm optimisation (PSO) technique, genetic algorithm (GA), artificial immune system (AIS) algorithm are proposed for solving the single row unequal area layout problem which is validated through benchmark problems. The computational results showed that the AIS algorithm is producing good quality solutions for large sized problems when compared to other algorithms in a number of test problems. Comparative results show that the AIS algorithm produced better averaged objective function values (OFVs) than AIS and other algorithms for large sized problems.

Design and optimisation of single row layout problem in flexible manufacturing systems using metaheuristic algorithms

Design and optimisation of single row layout problem in flexible manufacturing systems using metaheuristic algorithms

Performance Evaluation of Proposed Artificial Immune System and Improved Sheep Flock Heredity Algorithms for Single Row Layout Problem in Flexible Manufacturing System

One of the important concerns affecting the operating efficiency, system flexibility and system capacity of Flexible Manufacturing System is laid out the facilities. Designing the FLPs deals with arranging the machines in an order, it reduces the total flow between the machined in FMS. The most common layout utilized in FMS is a SRFL-[Single Row Facility Layout]. Several numbers of optimization algorithms are used, for a set of facilities to be arranged in such a manner to obtain an optimum distance between two facilities from SRFL problem. The key aim of this paper is, to optimize the material handling cost for SRFL system. In this paper, an AIS-[Artificial Immune System], Improved Sheep Flock Heredity Algorithm-[ISFHA] is proposed for SRFL problem, where simulated AIS results are compared with the simulated ISFHA results. For evaluating the performance, the benchmark problems are carried out and the simulation output shows the efficacy of the AIS and ISFHA.

Study of Array Waveguide of Tunnel Microwave Oven

In this paper, electromagnetic simulation software was used to model and simulate tunnel microwave ovens, and the waveguide array layout was studied. The simulation results had been verified by the temperature test. The simulation and experimental results showed that when the waveguide was arranged on the upper surface of the cavity, and the long side of the waveguide was interactively perpendicular, the microwave oven had characteristics of high transmission efficiency, good uniformity and high strength of electric field. Besides, the best single row layout was suitable for the microwave oven with multiple ranks waveguides. Keywords: Electric field, microwave oven, VSWR, waveguide array.

350 MW超临界单列风机供热机组能耗分析

华能洛阳热电厂350 MW超临界供热机组采用单列布置风机，对机组能耗进行分析，将锅炉和汽机主要参数与设计值进行比较，分析相关参数，提出降低能耗方法，对主要辅机厂用电进行分析，分析降低厂用电措施，对单列风机特性进行分析，保证机组运行安全。 350 MW super critical thermal power plant of Huaneng Luoyang power plant uses a single row layout wind machine; the energy consumption of the unit was analyzed. The main parameters of boiler and steam turbine were compared with design value. The method to reduce energy con-sumption is proposed by analyzing the related parameters. The measures to reduce auxiliary power is analyzed based on the electricity of main auxiliary machine factory, and we also carry on the analysis to the characteristics of single row fan to ensure the safe operation of the unit.

Assessing the Performance of Two Bioinspired Algorithms to Solve Single-Row Layout Problem

The single-row layout problem (SRLP), also known as the one-dimensional layout problem, deals with arranging a number of rectangular machines/departments with equal or varying dimensions on a straight line. Since the problem is proved to be NP-hard, there are several heuristics developed to solve the problem. This study introduces both a Clonal Selection Algorithm (CSA) and a Bacterial Foraging Algorithm (BFA) for SRLP. The performance of the algorithms is assessed by using three (small, medium, and large sized) well known test problems available in the literature. The promising results illustrated that both algorithms had generated the best known solutions so far for most of the problems or provided better results for a number of problems.

Different approaches for the loop layout problems: a review

In the manufacturing process, loop layout problems (LLPs) are preferred to configurations like single row layout, double row layout, cluster layout, and circular layout for their relative lower initial investment costs because they contain a minimal number of required material links to connect all workstations while providing a high degree of material handling flexibility. The performance of a system is based on the impact of the loop layout. Most of these LLPs are non-polynomial hard. Numerous research works related to loop layout have been published. The literature analysis given here is not restricted to specific considerations about loop layout design. This paper aims to deal with the current and future trends of research on LLPs based on previous research including formulations, solution methodologies. A trend toward bidirectional assumption, large-sized test problems, mixed integer programming, shortcuts instead of additional loop, loading and waiting time for shortcuts, integration of the supply chain management with the data envelopment analysis and also integrate exact, decomposition algorithm with metaheuristics, and developing loop layout using metaheuristics such as scatter search algorithm, improved tabu search, and artificial bees colony algorithm to loop layout is observed. Several research directions are pointed out and discussed.

MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION FOR DESIGN OF SINGLE ROW LAYOUT IN FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM WITH SCHEDULING CONSTRAINT:AN APPROACH OF NONTRADITIONAL OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES

Single row layout is one of the most usually used layout patterns in industries, particularly in flexible manufacturing systems. Here actual sequencing of machine and arrangement of parts, no doubt, have a great influence on the throughput of the flexible manufacturing system i.e., (F.M.S). This paper discusses the single row layout design in flexible manufacturing system (F.M.S). This paper furnishes the design, development and testing of simulated annealing technique and genetic algorithm to solve the single row layout problem by considering multi-objective i.e., minimizing the make span of jobs on all machines and minimizing the total transportation cost. The various line layout problems are tested for performance of objective function with respect to computational time and number of iterations involved in GA and SA. A necessary code is generated in C++ and the code is run by the IDE tool in which C++ compiler used as plug in. This tool has Eclipse based features which affords the competency to figure, correct, steer, and sort out the tasks that use C++ as a programming language using Intel core i3-380M processor. The results of the different optimization algorithms (Genetic Algorithm and simulated annealing method) are compared and finally, we observed that GA provide optimum results than SA.

On implied within-building constraints for machine layout

This research investigates the importance of the within-building constraints on the solution speed of the machine layout problem. The machine layout problem, or the more general facility layout problem, has been well studied. Often, practical constraints such as within-building constraints are ignored when the modeller is not space-restricted. This research develops an ‘implied’ within-building constraint for the single-row machine layout model. The incorporation of such constraints may assist layout planners in obtaining higher quality (or known-quality) solutions within shorter planning periods. The impact of the constraint is assessed in several ways. First, the constraint is evaluated on several problems arising from the literature using the time to solution and objective function value as metrics using mixed-integer linear and nonlinear formulations. In addition, statistical assessments are made using the time to solution and objective function value metrics.

Single-Row Facility Layout Based on Manufacturing Costs

Single-row facility layout is widely used in manufacturing system. It has a very important effect on the performance of manufacturing system. The single-row facility layout, including linear, U-shape, and semi-circular layout are introduced firstly. Based on the lower selling price of customers’ demand, the components of manufacturing cost are analyzed secondly. Then the relationship between the manufacturing cost and objectives of single-row layout are described. Meanwhile, the mathematical and simulation models related to several parts of manufacturing cost of single-row layout are set up respectively. Finally, the simulation of these models for single-row layout is running in QUEST. After analyzing the simulation results, conclusions are obtained: (1) material handling cost of semi-circular layout is the lowest among the three types of single-row facility layout; (2) area utilization rate of U-shape layout is higher than others; (3) equipment and labor utilization of U-shape layout is the higher than others in the same moment. This research results will

Multi-objective optimization in single-row layout design using a genetic algorithm

This paper presents the development of a genetic algorithm for determining a common linear machine sequence for multi-products with different operation sequences and facilities with a limited number of duplicate machine types available for a job. This work aims to minimize the total flow distance traveled by products, reduce the number of machines arranged in the final linear sequence, and decrease the total investment cost of the machines used in the final sequence. We assume that product flow runs only in the forward direction, either via in-sequence or bypass movement. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm by solving a typical layout design problem taken from literature, and several randomly generated problems. Results indicate that the proposed algorithm serves as a practical decision support tool for resolving layout problems in manufacturing facilities.

A hybrid genetic algorithm for the single row layout problem

The arrangement of machines or departments along a straight line is known as single row layout and it is a widely employed configuration in flexible manufacturing systems. In this paper, a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) is proposed to solve the single row layout design problem with unequal sized machines and unequal clearances. The algorithm is developed by hybridisation of a genetic algorithm with a local search operator. The proposed HGA is tested on 51 well known data sets from the literature with equal and unequal clearances, and the results are compared with the best known solutions. Finally, algorithm's effectiveness in reaching previously known best solutions is revealed and improvements up to 7% in problems with unequal clearance are obtained.

A fuzzy linear programming approach to layout design of dynamic cellular manufacturing systems with route selection and cell reconfiguration

This paper presents a novel integer non-linear programming model for the layout design of dynamic cellular manufacturing systems (DCMS) under an uncertain environment. A novel aspect of this model is concurrently making the interrelated cell formation and intracell layout decisions in a dynamic and uncertain environment. Other compromising aspects are: considering single-row layout of equal area facilities to locate machines in each cell, machine relocation based on locations assigned to a machine during two successive periods, calculation of material handling cost based on the distance between the locations assigned to machines, and presenting the existence of uncertainty in the model parameters by fuzzy numbers. Such an integrated model with an extensive coverage of important manufacturing features has not been proposed before and incorporates several design features including intracell layout, operation sequence, operation time, alternative process routing, duplicate machines, machine capacity, route selection, production volume of parts and cell reconfiguration. The uncertainty stems from part demand fluctuation and machine capacity. Linearization procedures are used to transform the proposed non-linear programming model into a linearized formulation. Finally, a new fuzzy linear programming approach which can consider the fuzziness of whole parameters in a mathematical model is developed to solve the linearized model. A comprehensive example is solved by the Lingo software to verify the performance of the proposed model and developed fuzzy approach. Also, the computational results show that the proposed model to some extent overcomes common disadvantages in the existing dynamic cell formation models that have not yet considered layout problems and fuzzy issues.

Evolutionary Approaches to the Linear Machine Layout Problem

Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMSs) cope with multi-product, usually small sized production. In this research work we investigate the use of evolutionary methods to solve the linear or single-row layout problem, which is the most commonly implemented layout in FMSs. Three different approaches, based on Ant Colony Optimization, Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimization are tested. The experimental results show that a near optimal solution can be found for all three methods, exploiting only a small portion of the feasible solution space, pinpointing once more the merit of using evolutionary algorithms to tackle difficult combinatorial problems.