IP Library Granted Patent US 7,321,803
Granted Patent B2
US 7,321,803 · App. 10/842,370 · Granted Jan 22, 2008

System and processes for performing quick changeovers on assembly lines

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,321,803
App. No.
10/842,370
Granted
Jan 22, 2008
Kind
B2
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 changing over an assembly line.

Claims (4)

1. A method of predicting a changeover time between the manufacture of two distinct products on an assembly line comprising the steps of:

1) preparing a chart associating a number of components to be changed in an assembly line between two products with a required changeover time;

2) identifying the number of components which must be changed between the two products; and

3) predicting the required changeover time based upon the chart, wherein the preparation of the chart includes associating a number of feeder tables that need to be replaced, and a number of feeders to be replaced with a required changeover time.

Assignments (5)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 1, 2009
From: SIEMENS ENERGY & AUTOMATION, INC.
To: SIEMENS ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS, LLC
Reel/Frame 022900/0959 →
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION Recorded Nov 25, 2008
From: SIEMENS ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS, INC.
To: SIEMENS DEMATIC ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS, INC.
Reel/Frame 021890/0019 →
MERGER Recorded Nov 25, 2008
From: SIEMENS DEMATIC ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS, INC.
To: SIEMENS DEMATIC CORP.
Reel/Frame 021890/0022 →
MERGER Recorded Nov 25, 2008
From: SIEMENS LOGISTICS AND ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS INC.
To: SIEMENS ENERGY & AUTOMATION, INC.
Reel/Frame 021890/0065 →
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION Recorded Nov 25, 2008
From: SIEMENS DEMATIC CORP.
To: SIEMENS LOGISTICS AND ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS INC.
Reel/Frame 021890/0155 →