Optimization of PCB component placements for the collect-and-place machines

This paper presents two hybrid genetic algorithms (HGAs) to optimize the component placement operation for the collect-and-place machines in printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. The component placement problem is to optimize (i) the assignment of components to a movable revolver head or assembly tour, (ii) the sequence of component placements on a stationary PCB in each tour, and (iii) the arrangement of component types to stationary feeders simultaneously. The objective of the problem is to minimize the total traveling time spent by the revolver head for assembling all components on the PCB. The major difference between the HGAs is that the initial solutions are generated randomly in HGA1. The Clarke and Wright saving method, the nearest neighbor heuristic, and the neighborhood frequency heuristic are incorporated into HGA2 for the initialization procedure. A computational study is carried out to compare the algorithms with different population sizes. It is proved that the performance of HGA2 is superior to HGA1 in terms of the total assembly time.

An integrated scheduling problem of PCB components on sequential pick-and-place machines:mathematical models and heuristic solutions

This paper formulates several mathematical models for determining the optimal sequence of component placements and assignment of component types to feeders simultaneously or the integrated scheduling problem for a type of surface mount technology placement machines, called the sequential pick-andplace (PAP) machine. A PAP machine has multiple stationary feeders storing components, a stationary working table holding a printed circuit board (PCB), and a movable placement head to pick up components from feeders and place them to a board. The objective of integrated problem is to minimize the total distance traveled by the placement head. Two integer nonlinear programming models are formulated first. Then, each of them is equivalently converted into an integer linear type. The models for the integrated problem are verified by two commercial packages. In addition, a hybrid genetic algorithm previously developed by the authors is adopted to solve the models. The algorithm not only generates the optimal solutions quickly for small-sized problems, but also outperforms the genetic algorithms developed by other researchers in terms of total traveling distance.

Integrated component scheduling models for chip shooter machines

This paper focuses on minimizing printed circuit board (PCB) assembly time for a chipshootermachine, which has a movable feeder carrier holding components, a movable X–Y table carrying a PCB, and a rotary turret with multiple assembly heads. The assembly time of the machine depends on two inter-related optimization problems: the component sequencing problem and the feeder arrangement problem. Nevertheless, they were often regarded as two individual problems and solved separately. This paper proposes two complete mathematical models for the integrated problem of the machine. The models are verified by two commercial packages. Finally, a hybrid genetic algorithm previously developed by the authors is presented to solve the model. The algorithm not only generates the optimal solutions quickly for small-sized problems, but also outperforms the genetic algorithms developed by other researchers in terms of total assembly time.

Component scheduling for chip shooter machines: a hybrid genetic algorithm approach

A chip shooter machine for electronic component assembly has a movable feeder carrier, a movable X–Y table carrying a printed circuit board (PCB), and a rotary turret with multiple assembly heads. This paper presents a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) to optimize the sequence of component placements and the arrangement of component types to feeders simultaneously for a chip shooter machine, that is, the component scheduling problem. The objective of the problem is to minimize the total assembly time. The GA developed in the paper hybridizes different search heuristics including the nearest-neighbor heuristic, the 2-opt heuristic, and an iterated swap procedure, which is a new improved heuristic. Compared with the results obtained by other researchers, the performance of the HGA is superior in terms of the assembly time. Scope and purpose When assembling the surface mount components on a PCB, it is necessary to obtain the optimal sequence of component placements and the best arrangement of component types to feeders simultaneously in order to minimize the total assembly time. Since it is very difficult to obtain the optimality, a GA hybridized with several search heuristics is developed. The type of machines being studied is the chip shooter machine. This paper compares the algorithm with a simple GA. It shows that the performance of the algorithm is superior to that of the simple GA in terms of the total assembly time.

A genetic algorithm approach to optimising component placement and retrieval sequence for chip shooter machines

A chip shooter machine in printed circuit board (PCB) assembly has three movable mechanisms: an X-Y table carrying a PCB, a feeder carrier with several feeders holding components and a rotary turret with multiple assembly heads to pick up and place components. In order to get the minimal placement or assembly time for a PCB on the machine, all the components on the board should be placed in a perfect sequence, and the components should be set up on a right feeder, or feeders since two feeders can hold the same type of components, and additionally, the assembly head should retrieve or pick up a component from a right feeder. The entire problem is very complicated, and this paper presents a genetic algorithm approach to tackle it.

A theoretical and experimental analysis of the no-load air gap magnetic field in squirrel cage induction machines

In induction machines the tooth frequency losses due to permeance variation constitute a signif'icant, portion of the total loss. In order to predict and estimate these losses it, is essential to obtain a clear understanding of the no-load distribution of the air gap magnetic field and the magnitude of flux pulsation in both stator and rotor teeth. The existing theories and methods by which the air gap permeance variation in a doubly slotted structure is calculated are either empirical or restricted. The main objective of this thesis is to obtain a detailed analysis of the no-load air gap magnetic field distribution and the effect of air gap geometry on the magnitude and waveform of the tooth flux pulsation. In this thesis a detaiiled theoretical and experimental analysis of flux distribution not only leads to a better understanding of the distribution of no-load losses but also provides theoretical analysis for calculating the losses with greater accuracy

The factors affecting the optimal performance of eddy-current machines

This thesis presents an examination of the factors which influence the performance of eddy-current machines and the way in which they affect optimality of those machines. After a brief introduction to the types of eddy-current machine considered, the applications to which these machines are put are examined. A list of parameters by which to assess their performance is obtained by considering the machine as part of a system. in this way an idea of what constitutes an optimal machine is obtained. The third chapter then identifies the factors which affects the performance and makes a quantitative evaluation of the effect. Here the various alternative configurations and components are compared with regard to their influence on the mechanical, electromagnetic, and thermal performance criteria of the machine. Chapter four contains a brief review of the methods of controlling eddy-current machines by electronic methods using thyristors or transistors as the final control element. Where necessary, the results of previous workers in the field of electrical machines have been extended or adapted to increase the usefulness of this thesis.

Computer control of machines utilising independent drive mechanisms

The thesis describes an investigation into methods for the specification, design and implementation of computer control systems for flexible manufacturing machines comprising multiple, independent, electromechanically-driven mechanisms. An analysis is made of the elements of conventional mechanically-coupled machines in order that the operational functions of these elements may be identified. This analysis is used to define the scope of requirements necessary to specify the format, function and operation of a flexible, independently driven mechanism machine. A discussion of how this type of machine can accommodate modern manufacturing needs of high-speed and flexibility is presented. A sequential method of capturing requirements for such machines is detailed based on a hierarchical partitioning of machine requirements from product to independent drive mechanism. A classification of mechanisms using notations, including Data flow diagrams and Petri-nets, is described which supports capture and allows validation of requirements. A generic design for a modular, IDM machine controller is derived based upon hierarchy of control identified in these machines. A two mechanism experimental machine is detailed which is used to demonstrate the application of the specification, design and implementation techniques. A computer controller prototype and a fully flexible implementation for the IDM machine, based on Petri-net models described using the concurrent programming language Occam, is detailed. The ability of this modular computer controller to support flexible, safe and fault-tolerant operation of the two intermittent motion, discrete-synchronisation independent drive mechanisms is presented. The application of the machine development methodology to industrial projects is established.

The prediction of vibration in large electric machines

This thesis reports the development of a reliable method for the prediction of response to electromagnetically induced vibration in large electric machines. The machines of primary interest are DC ship-propulsion motors but much of the work reported has broader significance. The investigation has involved work in five principal areas. (1) The development and use of dynamic substructuring methods. (2) The development of special elements to represent individual machine components. (3) Laboratory scale investigations to establish empirical values for properties which affect machine vibration levels. (4) Experiments on machines on the factory test-bed to provide data for correlation with prediction. (5) Reasoning with regard to the effect of various design features. The limiting factor in producing good models for machines in vibration is the time required for an analysis to take place. Dynamic substructuring methods were adopted early in the project to maximise the efficiency of the analysis. A review of existing substructure- representation and composite-structure assembly methods includes comments on which are most suitable for this application. In three appendices to the main volume methods are presented which were developed by the author to accelerate analyses. Despite significant advances in this area, the limiting factor in machine analyses is still time. The representation of individual machine components was addressed as another means by which the time required for an analysis could be reduced. This has resulted in the development of special elements which are more efficient than their finite-element counterparts. The laboratory scale experiments reported were undertaken to establish empirical values for the properties of three distinct features - lamination stacks, bolted-flange joints in rings and cylinders and the shimmed pole-yoke joint. These are central to the preparation of an accurate machine model. The theoretical methods are tested numerically and correlated with tests on two machines (running and static). A system has been devised with which the general electromagnetic forcing may be split into its most fundamental components. This is used to draw some conclusions about the probable effects of various design features.

Risk assessment applied to comsumer products with reference to CE marking machines for use at work

New Approach’ Directives now govern the health and safety of most products whether destined for workplace or domestic use. These Directives have been enacted into UK law by various specific legislation principally relating to work equipment, machinery and consumer products. This research investigates whether the risk assessment approach used to ensure the safety of machinery may be applied to consumer products. Crucially, consumer products are subject to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 1987, where there is no direct reference to “assessing risk”. This contrasts with the law governing the safety of products used in the workplace, where risk assessment underpins the approach. New Approach Directives are supported by European harmonised standards, and in the case of machinery, further supported by the risk assessment standard, EN 1050. The system regulating consumer product safety is discussed, its key elements identified and a graphical model produced. This model incorporates such matters as conformity assessment, the system of regulation, near miss and accident reporting. A key finding of the research is that New Approach Directives have a common feature of specifying essential performance requirements that provide a hazard prompt-list that can form the basis for a risk assessment (the hazard identification stage). Drawing upon 272 prosecution cases, and with thirty examples examined in detail, this research provides evidence that despite the high degree of regulation, unsafe consumer products still find their way onto the market. The research presents a number of risk assessment tools to help Trading Standards Officers (TSOs) prioritise their work at the initial inspection stage when dealing with subsequent enforcement action.