Is there a max wait timer for Combiners?

[robert_hambright]

[ FlexSim 17.0.0 ]

I know there is a max wait timer for batching in a 3D queue or in process flow. Is there a similar option for a combiner in 3D? For example, if the combiner doesn't receive its desired items in a specific amount of time it will release the current contents.

Thank you.

[sam_stubbsYXX86]

Unfortunately, there isn't this kind of functionality for combiners.

[regan_blackett]

If you need to do this sort of thing with a combining operation I recommend the List

[robert_hambright]

can you possibly elaborate?

[matt_long · Accepted solution]

There isn't anything built into the combiner to do this, however, using Process Flow it's quite simple.

I've attached a model that gives a max wait time of 35 seconds to a combiner. The process flow listens to the On Entry of the combiner, and if the entry is from port 1 (the pallet), it has that token start a timer of 35 seconds. Simultaneously, the token waits for the Setup Time to be called on the Combiner (this is a good event to listen to because it happens as soon as the combiner collects its total quantity).

If the max time is hit, the token is released and tells the pallet to move on uncompleted. Otherwise the token is destroyed and a new token is created for the next batch.

maxwaitcombiner.fsm

[robert_hambright]

Thank you. If I wanted to do this for a "max idle timer" would I just change the on entry to listen for the item (box) entry?

[sam_stubbsYXX86]

Rather than use a combiner, you could set up a Process Flow with a Pull from list requirement to get your components. Use Require Number and Request Number to specify the number that are requested, and how many are required. And then you can use the Max Wait/Idle Timer functionalities from the List.

Then just have the list "combine" the items as a combiner would.

[matt_long]

The Wait For Event can listen to the On Entry of the combiner and if the On Entry is called and the token is released before the max wait timer fires, then you could cycle it back into the Wait For Event until you get all the items that you need. So I'd still use the initial Event-Triggered Source to kick off a token when the pallet first enters, and then use that one token to check for all the boxes that enter.

[regan_blackett]

Pretty much what Sam said, but here's a model that demonstrates one approach. I'm using a Zone calculation to track the number of combine operations that either triggered the max idle/wait timers.

[sam_stubbsYXX86]

Based upon your other recent questions @Robert, it sounds like you were looking into the possibility of using a "combiner" type option for your problem (on this questions here) instead. Combining your items a single item, this could be beneficial as it will be much easier to store and move as a single entity instead of trying to hold together the slugs throughout the model.

I've included an attached model of how you might be able to accomplish this concept with lists used as the combiner instead:

pallet-combiner.fsm

[matt_long]

The Process Flow I used was a General Process Flow as that's the easiest type to use, however, this could also be done using a FixedResource Process Flow. This would allow you to attach the Combiner object to the Process Flow, allowing you to create as many combiners as you want since the logic would be "contained" in the Combiner.

You can learn more about how the FixedResource Process Flows work by looking at the Custom Fixed Resource tutorial in the user manual.

[jun_wei_p]

follwing is my AS/RS model, thank you.

20200530.fsm

@Matt Long Hi, I have the same problem in my model.I try to setup like your steps of Process Flow in my model.But I can't work in anymore.Can you help me to check what's my problems?

[matt_long]

Your model seems to be working fine. Can you explain what the issue is?

[jun_wei_p]

My model can't work when it run to time(200).I think maybe my setup of process flow has some problems.And the green mark from "Wait for Setup" just shows two times, it doesn't appear anymore later. Can you help me to check? Thanks.

[braydn_t]

@JUN-WEI P

The issue is in the move items after the time out. Why do you move from one queue immediately to the other? If you get rid of the second move item in both cases, it works. It is causing the ports to still be closed.

Also, in the future, please do not revive old questions. Please follow our Best Practices and post in a new question. Thank you!