Search

The utilization rate of staff resource deeply affects the production performance in the aircraft assembly pulsation line. Most of the researches are focused on the problem that how to create and solve the staffing optimization model. However, in the aircraft assembly pulsation line, due to the complex logical relationship and resource requirements, it is difficult to express such constraints in the staffing model. In this paper, a new method is proposed for the solution of staffing optimization question in the aircraft assembly pulsation line. First, the formal expression of staff resource and line is defined, based on which the staff allocation method is established to minimize the total number of staff in the line. The initial plan for the allocation of staff is achieved through the genetic algorithm. Second, creating model based on discrete event simulation platform. And a simulation-based method is built to solve the staff resource considering the constraint of the capacity. The solution of staff allocation is calculated by applying the simulation iteration. Finally, taking an aircraft assembly pulsation line as an example, the feasibility of the proposed method is verified.

With the rapid development of aviation enterprises, the logistics system urgently needs to be improved through digitalization and intelligence. Most of the researches for logistics system focus on the buffer area or the second-level logistics system, which are insufficient to meet the multi-echelon inventory requirements in aviation enterprises. This paper presents a new method through the multi-echelon network model to solve the problems of inaccurate inventory and waste of resources in the logistics system. First, the optimization function is established considering the maximum inventory capacity, the safety stock and the replenishment lead time. Second, the genetic algorithm is used to minimize the cost and maximize the service level. At last, the feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated through the numerical studies.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to present a new and relatively inexpensive method for posture evaluation of the positioning of the wing-body assembly. Positioning is an essential process to guarantee alignment accuracy in an assembly line. Design/methodology/approach – The studied method includes a structural set-up and a software algorithm used to process a set of experimental input data to compute the actual position of the wing with respect to the ideal position, which is proposed considering measurement uncertainty, the deviation caused by large errors in measurement points and the different tolerance requirements. Findings – The studied method has been found to be simple and effective in addition to being highly accurate. Compared with most of the current methods that have been developed with optical equipment, it is more cost- and space-efficient. The automation process determines how much operation time will be saved. Practical implications – The studied method has been applied in an actual assembly line, and the economic and time savings illustrate its benefits. Originality/value – This method provides an attractive wing-body assembly solution for those enterprises that want to find a low-cost option or have limited measuring space for optical equipment. It can also be the basis for the accurate assembly of other large parts for aircraft and other vessels.