Abstract:
The objectives of this research are: - to create a classification and coding, C&C, system to facilitate the design process of radial tire components; - to create a database of radial tire components with their codes, based on the defined C&C system; - to develop an application software, consisting of a program that facilitates radial tire components coding and retrieving; The C&C system developed in this study is based on the Group Technology, GT, concept. It has a nine-digit alph-numeric code structure, which as been designed to facilitate design activity of all the 17 different types of radial tire components. With GT concept, components that have the same code will have similar design characteristics. Therefore, the system supports part standardization, and increases productivity of tre designers. Application software is developed for interactive coding of exising and required new radial tire components, and for retrieving existing desigs of radial tire components from the data base. The system was installed in November 2003. Firstly, all existing active components were coded and stored in data base with the codes. Affer that, when a new design of a tire is required, the designer codes the design characteristics of each component and uses the code to retrieve the data base for existing items with the same code. If such an item exists, the designer may use it for the new tire, or may have to modify it slightly before it can be used. This promotes part standardization and increasses the designer's productivity. If there is more than one item retrieved from the data base with a code, there is also an opportunity to reduce an active component if another can be used in its place. After one month of the use of the system application for new designs, there is a significant reduction of new components for new designs. Despite a 6% increase of new tire designs, there is a 4% reduction of active components in the system.
