Closed Loop Logic

I am trying to create a closed loop model using conveyors (similar to the roller coaster model featured in the downloads section).

I've also added two combiners on the side of the closed loop (please see attached example).

I would like some help with the following:
1. How can I limit the number of pallets to 10? Cannot find a distribution function with a limit.
2. How can I send the pallets to the combiners, only when they are empty? I created the port connection from the conveyor, but the pallets are not turning.
3. How can I make the pallets continue to travel inside the loop? Once pallets completed the loop, they keep traveling into space...

Flexsim is great, but learning it is not easy.

Thanks.

Dear Wilfrido,


You can limit the number of pallets by using an Arrival Schedule or Arrival Sequence under Arrival Style option of the source object.One more idea is you can close the output port of the source using the on exit trigger of the source after it has send the required number of pallets.(Statistical distribution is used to simulate the time pattern in which the flow items enter the system).

A label named flag is created for conveyor 13 & 2.Once the pallet is loaded the item type is changed from 1 to 2 . So the routing of the pallet from conveyor 2 & 13 (under flow tab) is based on the label and the item type value.The label values are changed in the entry trigger of input conveyors to the combiners and exit trigger of the combiners for routing decisions.

Please see the attached model to know ,how I have done this logic.Hope I am able to solve what you are looking for,if not ignore this post.

Perfect!

Thank you so much, Arunkrmahadeva.

Just a couple of questions because I would like to learn how to do this.

1. In CONVEYOR 2 flow code,
/**Custom Code*/
treenode item = parnode(1);
treenode current = ownerobject(c);
if(getitemtype(item)==2)
{
return 1;
}
else
{
return getlabelnum(current,"flag");
}

What does 'return 1' do? Does it work like a green light to allow the item to continue?

2. At the Combiners, on exit trigger,
treenode conveyer2= inobject(conveyer7,1);

What is 'inobject' function doing?

Thank you so much again!

Dear Wilfredo,

The send to port option under the flow tab is responsible for routing the flow items to the output ports /objects.It depends on the value returned at the send to port field.

For instance if the return value is 1 at the send to port option,the flow item will be send to the first output port of the current object.If 2 is returned the flow item will be send to the second output port.You can also check and understand,how the value is returned for different pick list options for the send to port field.

The inobject function is used to reference the upstream object connected to a downstream object's input port.

I hope I have answered your queries.Please refer the command section of user manual for more details.

Regards,

Arun