A trolley conveyor is used to transport parts among four production stations. There are 33 carriers, equally spaced around the conveyor, with 10 separation between carriers.

The material flow patterns for the workstations are as follows:

{ f1(n)}  (2, 0, 2, 0) { f2(n)}  (0, 2, 0, 2)

{ f3(n)}  (0, 0, 4, 0) { f4(n)}  (4, 0, 0, 0)

a. Can steady-state operations be achieved? If so, why? If not, why not?

b. Can general sequences for {F1(n)} be accommodated? If so, why? If not, why not?

c. Determine the value of H3(2).

d. Determine the value of B.

e. Suppose the number of carriers on the conveyor can be increased by one or two without affecting the cost of the conveyor. Consider each of the three options and specify the number of carriers that will minimize the amount of inventory on the conveyor. Use, as an estimate of inventory on the conveyor, the sum of the Hi(n)

values for all i and n. Specify the value obtained for inventory on the conveyor.

f. Suppose the loading patterns at stations 3 and 4 can be changed. Consider each of the options shown below and specify the patterns (including the original patterns)

that will minimize the amount of inventory on the conveyor. Use, as an estimate of inventory on the conveyor, the sum of the Hi(n) values for all i and n.

(1) { f3(n)}  (0, 0, 2, 2); { f4(n)}  (2, 2, 0, 0)

(2) { f3(n)}  (2, 0, 2, 0); { f4(n)}  (0, 2, 0, 2)