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Variation is inevitable in any process, so it has to be dealt with effectively and economically. Reducing variation can be achieved in assembly lines strategically and dynamically. Implementing both the strategic and dynamic variation reduction techniques is expected to lead to further reduction in the number of failed final assemblies. The dissertation is divided into three major parts. In the first part, we propose to reduce variation for assemblies by developing efficient inspection plans based on (1) historical data for existing products, or simulated data for newly developed products; (2) Monte Carlo simulation; and (3) optimization search techniques. The cost function to be minimized is the total of inspection, rework, scrap and failure costs. The novelty of the proposed approach is three-fold. First, the use of CAD data to develop inspection plans for newly launched products is new, and has not been introduced in the literature before. Second, frequency of inspection is considered as the main decision variable, instead of considering whether or not to inspect a quality characteristic of a subassembly. Third, we use a realistic reaction plan (rework-scrap-keep) that mimics reality in the sense that not all out-of-tolerance items should be scrapped or reworked. At a certain stage, real-time inspection data for a batch of subassemblies could be available. In the second part of this dissertation, we propose utilizing this data in near real-time to dynamically reduce variation by assigning the inspected subassembly parts together. In proposing mathematical models, we found that they are hard to solve using traditional optimization techniques. Therefore, we propose using heuristics.Finally, we propose exploring opportunities to reduce the aforementioned cost function by integrating the inspection planning model with the Dynamic Throughput Maximization (DTM) model. This hybrid model adds one decision variable in the inspection planning; which is whether to implement DTM (assemble the inspected subassemblies selectively) or to assemble the inspected items arbitrarily. We expect this hybrid implementation to substantially reduce the failure cost when assembling the final assemblies for some cases. To demonstrate this, we solve a numerical example that supports our findings. / Ph. D.

The master’s thesis submitted deals with realtime rendering of three-dimensional CAD data using Vulkan API. The thesis also covers possibilities of connecting the API with VRUT, complex solution for renderig developed by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. Design of such connection is presented in form of Vulkan rendering plugin for VRUT application. Performance of the designed module is compared with another rendering module, based on different rendering technologies.

Data loss has always been a side effect of sharing 3D models between different CAD systems. Continuous research and new frameworks have been implemented to minimise the data loss in CAD and in other downstream applications separately like 3D visual graphics applications (eg. 3DS Max, Blender etc.). As a first step into this research area, the thesis is an explorative study on understanding the problem of CAD data loss while exchanging models between a CAD application and a visual application. The thesis is performed at Tacton systems which provides product configurations to their customers in both CAD and visual environments and hence the research is focussed on reusing the CAD data in visual applications or restoring the data after exchange. The research questions are framed to answer the reasons of data loss and address the possible implementation techniques at the company. Being a niche topic, the thesis required inputs from different perspectives and knowledge sharing from people outside the company which proves the significance of open innovation in technology-oriented companies. Ten different ideas were brainstormed and developed into concepts to solve the problem of data loss. All the concepts are analysed and evaluated to check the functionality and feasibility of implementing it within the company workflow. The evaluations resulted in different concepts that are capable of solving the research problem. They have also been verified with various people internal and external to the company. The results also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each of these concepts giving clear instructions to the company on the next steps. / Dataförluster har alltid varit en följd av att dela 3D-modeller mellan olika CAD-system. I forskning har nya metoder utvecklats och implementerats för att minimera dataförlusten i CAD och andra program, som t.ex. visuella 3D-grafikapplikationer (3DS Max, Blender etc.). Denna rapport är resultatet av en studie kring CAD-dataförluster när man överför modeller mellan ett CAD-program och ett visualiseringsprogram. Studien har utförts vid Tacton Systems AB, som tillhandahåller produktkonfigureringslösningar både i CAD-program och i visuella miljöer och därför har studien haft fokus på att återanvända eller återskapa CAD-data i visualiseringsprogramvaror. Forskningsfrågorna är inriktade på att hitta orsaker till dataförlusterna och möjliga lösningar för företaget. Eftersom detta är ett högspecialiserat ämne krävde arbetet insatser från olika perspektiv och kunskapsinhämtning från människor också utanför företaget, vilket visar på betydelsen av öppen innovation i teknikorienterade företag. Tio olika idéer togs fram och utvecklades till koncept för att lösa problemet med dataförluster. Alla koncept har analyserats och utvärderats för att bedöma deras funktionalitet och genomförbarhet, för att implementera dem inom företagets arbetsflöde. Utvärderingarna resulterade i sex olika koncept som skulle kunna lösa problemet. Dessa koncept har diskuterats och verifierats med olika personer inom och utanför företaget. Resultatet visar styrkor och svagheter i vart och ett av dessa koncept och ger tydliga rekommendationer till företaget om nästa steg.