Optimization of the volume/weight in the Gear train is of great importance for industries and researchers. In this paper, using the particle swarm optimization algorithm, a general Gear train is optimized. The main idea is to optimize the volume/weight of the Gearbox in 3 directions. To this end, the optimization process based on the PSO algorithm occurs along the height, length, and width of the Gearbox to achieve the smallest possible Gearbox. The constraints are divided into three types named geometrical, design and control constraints. The optimization process is presented for two and three-stage Gear trains and by choosing different values for the Gear ratio, input power and hardness of Gears. The practical graphs for the optimum value of the weight/volume and all necessary design parameters of Gearbox such as the number of stages, position, modulus of Gears, face width of Gears, and diameter of shafts are also presented. The results are validated by comparing with the results reported in the previous publications.

This paper deals with the selection of optimal layout variants of planetary transmissions designed for operation as Light Electric Vehicle main Gearboxes. The required transmission ratio was calculated, and the optimal two-carrier Gear train with two connecting and three external shafts selected. A computer program was used for structural synthesis and to determine the required basic parameters of the component Gear trains. The ring Gear reference diameter was used to rank the layout variants according to size, with the smallest variants also ranked according to the calculated efficiency ratio. Finally, an optimal variant of the planetary Gear train for light electric vehicle application is proposed. The procedure proposed in this paper may be expanded to other applications.

This study is conducted to developed innovative production planning and control strategies to manufacturing industries so as to improve production performance and competitiveness of basic metal sectors Though the study was conducted through field observation and questioner used as primary data and literature review on research articles, books, and electronic-sources which used as secondary data. While the questioner and filed observation data collection were done from two selected Ethiopian basic metal industries. Since the collected data were employed by both using descriptive and empirical analysis. Waste in the production process, poor plant layout systems, defective products, improper material requirement planning, deficiency on control and monitoring systems, insufficient inventory control, poor workflow strategies, null warehouse management systems, problems in information systems and information management strategies were investigated as the main challenges of developing the nation basic metal industries. As a result of these challenges, the performance and global competitiveness of local basic metal industries are poor and weak. As well the literature’ finding endorse that production planning and controls have gradual advancement in developed manufacturing industries but it is found to be at its infant stage in developing manufacturing industries. Due to these challenges and weak performances on the developing firms, the entire production process on the industries was declining, and then they approach to die. Though the new product planning and controlling strategies can bridge the gap and birth will begin within proper implementations of the model to basic metal industries.