All of the previous assembly methods had been determined by the usual practice of putting braider parts together. In the present case the braider was taken apart; that is, handled in the reverse order of assembly, in order to determine from a new viewpoint the best method of putting the various parts together. The parts were laid out on a table in the sequence in which they were disassembled. This allowed the various members of the braider divisions, groups, and sub-groups to be studied in relation to one another and also separately.
The Two Factors to Be Considered.
The problem resolved itself into two parts:
1. To make the table of the most convenient height and shape to hold tools and the base group as it grew, while being assembled.
2. To provide the most convenient, temporary, resting place for the tools and the various parts, before they were carried to the final position of assembly.
The two parts were so closely related that any modification in one demanded a modification in the other.
Fig. 25
Easel for simplifying motions and reducing fatigue from work of assembly. The obvious sequence in our packet method eliminates the delay and fatigue of the decision of choice.
Fig. 26
The rigging on a typical Gilbreth packet, as used for the assembly of braiders and cord machines at the New England Butt Company. This picture shows only the supporting devices. The length of the supporting devices is determined by what is to be held upon them. The right quantity of each kind, therefore, can be put on without counting. These devices are standardized and are but few in number. They are specially designed and arranged for picking up parts with both hands, simultaneously, in an obvious sequence with shortest motions and least fatigue.