2001 Volume 51 Issue 6 Pages 594-602
In assembly systems, there are two major types of array of unit stations : the line type (ALS) and the flexible type (FAS). Using a unified approach (Yamada and Matsui, 1997,1999), this paper discusses a stochastic design problem of the ALS with stoppers which prevent the overflow of items. First, the objective function for the station-centered approach is considered. A simple case of D/M/1 type by queueing approach and a typical case of D/E_k/1 type by simulation are introduced, and the 3-station case is considered by comparing the two cases of balking and blocking. Next, the 2-stage design procedure for the ALS with stoppers is presented, and the two cases of ALS with and without stoppers are unified. Finally, an optimal design example is shown by applying this procedure, and the two cases are compared numerically.
