Module11Video02

Summary

This video introduces the use of Simio conveyors for modeling various types of material handling systems. It covers the setup of a simulation with two sources, different package types, and conveyors operating at varying speeds. The video demonstrates how to configure properties like processing time, accumulation behavior, and entity alignment for different conveyor types, from infeed to outfeed. The animation and visualization techniques, such as path decorators, are also explored to enhance the realism of the conveyor system. The video aims to provide users with the knowledge to model a wide range of real-world conveyor systems using Simio.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conveyors are mechanical devices used to move items or bulk material from one location to another, such as in bottling, baggage handling, and construction sites.
• 😀 The core function of a conveyor is to provide locomotion, moving items via mechanical means or gravity, with the items traveling along with the conveyor.
• 😀 The model being built in the video includes two sources (for package types A and B), a merge point, a server, and a sync point for processing.
• 😀 The arrival rate of packages from both sources is exponential with a mean of 4 minutes, while the server's processing time is triangular (0.1, 2, 3 minutes).
• 😀 The conveyor speeds are set as follows: 4 m/s for one infeed, 3 m/s for the other infeed, 2 m/s for the merge conveyor, and 8 m/s for the outfeed conveyor.
• 😀 To create the conveyor layout, curved conveyors are used, with piecewise linear segments to approximate the curve.
• 😀 Conveyor segments are adjusted to their respective speeds by modifying the 'initial desired speed' property in the simulation.
• 😀 Accumulating conveyors allow items to reduce space between them when backed up, whereas non-accumulating conveyors make items stop in their current location when blocked.
• 😀 Path decorators are used to visually improve the animation of conveyors, with default decorators creating realistic 3D effects in the simulation.
• 😀 The 'entity alignment' property helps determine how items are placed on the conveyor, with fixed size cells enabling discrete placement (e.g., for hanging conveyors).

Q & A

What is a conveyor, and what is its primary function?

A conveyor is a mechanical device that moves items or bulk material from one location to another. It uses mechanical or gravity-driven locomotion to transport materials, such as bottles, baggage, or packages.

What are some examples of conveyors mentioned in the script?

Examples of conveyors mentioned in the script include conveyors in bottle filling or labeling machines, baggage handling systems at airports or train stations, roller conveyors for moving packages, feed conveyors at construction sites, engine conveyors with overhangs, and people movers at airports.

What are the key characteristics that define a conveyor?

The key characteristic that defines a conveyor is that it provides locomotion, either mechanically or via gravity, allowing items placed on the conveyor to move along with it.

What is the basic model described in the script for simulating conveyors?

The basic model involves two sources that generate two package types (A and B), which are conveyed through individual infeed conveyors, merged, and processed at a server. The items are then transported to a sync point.

What assumptions are made about the parts or packages in the model?

The model assumes that parts or packages arrive exponentially from both sources with a mean inter-arrival time of 4 minutes, and that processing at the server follows a triangular distribution with values 0.1, 2, and 3. There is also no buffer capacity at the server.

What are the different conveyor speeds mentioned in the script?

The conveyor speeds are as follows: the two infeed conveyors move at 4 m/s and 3 m/s, the merge conveyor moves at 2 m/s, and the outfeed conveyor moves at 8 m/s.

How does the model handle conveyor backups when the server is unable to process items fast enough?

When the server is backed up, the items accumulate along the conveyor, as the model assumes no buffer capacity. This results in items being backed up until the server can process them.

What role do path decorators play in the model?

Path decorators are used to enhance the animation of the conveyors, making them appear more realistic. They add visual elements to the conveyor paths and can significantly improve the simulation's appearance.

What is the accumulation property in conveyors, and how does it affect item movement?

The accumulation property determines whether a conveyor is accumulating or non-accumulating. An accumulating conveyor allows items to reduce the space between them when a blockage occurs, while a non-accumulating conveyor stops all items in their current location when blocked.

What is the entity alignment property, and how does it affect how entities are placed on a conveyor?

The entity alignment property defines how entities are placed on the conveyor. By default, entities enter the conveyor at any available location. However, fixed cell locations can be defined, such as setting a 5-meter cell size, which means entities will only enter the conveyor at those fixed locations.