Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

At this moment, a young technician was inspecting a valve, found nothing wrong with it, and prepared to release it.

Li Feng walked over, picked up the valve, shook it gently, and then listened to it with his ear.

"Xiao Zhang, listen carefully again. Is there a slight abnormal noise coming from inside this valve?" Li Feng pointed to the internal structure of the valve.

Then Li Feng began to explain to Xiao Zhang: "This kind of sound is likely due to an excessively large clearance between the valve core and the valve body, or the presence of tiny burrs inside. Although it may not affect short-term use, it will affect the sealing performance and service life in the long run."

Xiao Zhang took the valve and listened carefully. Sure enough, he heard a faint, almost imperceptible "rustling" sound. He immediately felt ashamed and was filled with admiration for Li Feng's professional skills.

After three days of intense work, all the equipment parts sent from Northeast China were inspected and accepted under Li Feng's strict supervision.

The final conclusion is: all passed!

This relieved Zhou Miaomiao, Wang Ping, and their colleagues in the Equipment Management Department, and their faces were filled with joy.

They knew this meant they were one step closer to a modern production line.

After the acceptance testing was completed, the next step was the assembly of the equipment.

Li Feng divided the staff of the Equipment Management Department into several groups, with each group responsible for a specific assembly step.

He personally drew up detailed assembly flowcharts and precautions, and repeatedly emphasized: "Assembly is not just about putting parts together, but also about understanding the function of each component and its role in the whole system."

However, during the assembly process, some technicians quickly discovered something "wrong".

"Director Li, these interfaces seem a bit different from what's marked on the drawings?" A technician pointed to the side of a large component and asked with some doubt. "According to the old rules, this should directly connect to the hydraulic lines of the next module, but now there are some strange slots and wiring interfaces."

Another technician chimed in, "Yes, and this motor control box has several times more wiring than our usual ones, and the wiring harness colors and coding are also very complex. It feels like it's designed for a more sophisticated control system."

Everyone chimed in with their own words, all turning their attention to Li Feng.

Although the general structure of these equipment parts shipped from Northeast China matched their envisioned automated production line, there were obvious differences in some key details.

These differences are precisely the modifications Li Feng made to the automated production line at the research institute.

Li Feng smiled; he knew this moment would come sooner or later.

"Comrades, you've observed very carefully." Li Feng picked up a piece of chalk and drew a simple diagram on the blackboard next to him. "That's right, these interfaces and reserved lines were added by me on purpose."

I plan to introduce a completely new control system—a computer control system—on our automated production line.

Upon hearing this, the entire assembly site fell silent.

A computer control system? This was simply unbelievable for the Five Star Ceramics Factory in 1961! Everyone stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with shock and bewilderment.

At this moment, the group of top students from Jinling University began to ask Li Feng with some curiosity, "Deputy Factory Director Li, are you saying... that our production line will be controlled by computers in the future?"

“That’s right.” Li Feng said with certainty, “Traditional relay control systems, while capable of automation, have significant limitations in terms of precision, efficiency, and flexibility. Computer control systems, on the other hand, can achieve more precise parameter adjustments, faster fault diagnosis, and even adjust production processes in real time according to production needs, greatly improving production efficiency and product quality.”

He paused, glanced around at everyone, and then continued, "I know this may sound unbelievable, but it's the trend of future industrial development." "What you're about to hear is confidential, as required by higher-ups."

Li Feng had already applied to his superiors before coming here. Li Feng would be doing some preliminary tests at the ceramics factory, so as technicians at the ceramics factory, they knew some inside information, which was also permitted by the organization.

At this moment, Li Feng began to say to the researcher in front of him: "The months I spent at the research institute were spent perfecting the design scheme of this computer control system."

"The equipment we are assembling now is in preparation for seamless integration into this system in the future."

Li Feng's explanation sent shockwaves through everyone. Although their understanding of "computers" was still vague, Li Feng's confidence and clear plan gave them an unprecedented sense of technological awe.

"Therefore, for the following assembly work, everyone must strictly follow the new drawings and instructions I have provided."

Li Feng pointed to several manuscripts in his hand, "These are partial modifications and interface reservations made for the existing equipment."

While this will add some complexity, it will lay a solid foundation for the future development of our factory.

Although they still had some doubts, Li Feng's professional skills and foresight had already made these technicians trust him almost blindly.

They all nodded, indicating that they would assemble it according to Li Feng's requirements.

For the next twenty days, the entire assembly site of the second phase of the project was immersed in an unprecedented atmosphere of tension and excitement.

Li Feng practically guided the technicians step by step, precisely installing the modified parts that bore his "Li Feng style".

Under Li Feng's guidance, the extra slots and the complicated wiring gradually took on a clearer structure.

Although the technicians did not fully understand the underlying principles, they could sense that these modifications made the entire device more sophisticated and technologically advanced.

Li Feng spends every day on site, from dawn till dusk.

He not only had to solve various technical problems encountered during the assembly process, but also had to constantly explain the future prospects of computer control systems to everyone, inspiring their enthusiasm for learning.

Under his leadership, the members of the Equipment Management Department seemed to have opened the door to a new world.

They began to encounter entirely new concepts and unprecedented technologies. Although it was hard work, everyone was full of enthusiasm because they knew they were participating in a great project that could change the face of the entire industry.

Despite the biting cold wind, the construction site was bustling with activity.

Finally, after nearly twenty days of tireless efforts, the installation of equipment for the first automated production line was completed.

The brand-new production line meanders through the enormous factory, its silvery-white metal components gleaming under the lights, its intricate pipes and cables crisscrossing like blood vessels and nerves. Although not yet powered, it already exudes an industrial beauty poised for explosive growth.

Standing in front of the newly installed production line, Li Feng wore a satisfied smile.

"Comrades, we've succeeded!" Li Feng's voice was a little hoarse, but full of strength. "The main body of the equipment is installed. Next, we'll move on to the most crucial debugging work!"

He knew the real challenge was just beginning. (End of Chapter)