Assemblability Evaluation Method Based on an Assembly Model and an Assembly Process Model

Abstract

Abstract An evaluation of assemblability at an early design phase leads to a better product and a better assembly process plan. This paper proposes a method for computerized evaluation of assemblability, based on an assembly model and an assembly process model, which are also proposed in the paper. An assembly model consists of form features, assembly features, and constraints among those features. An AND/OR graph is used to represent all the assembly processes. A node has the direction of access to a subassembly as an attribute. This make it possible to create an actual assembly process plan. To generate a graph efficiently, the system interacts with the user and acquires knowledge about order of precedence of operations. In the evaluation of assemblability, consideration is given to factors such as assembly operations and direction of access. These are calculated from the assembly model. The assembly process model is then used to calculate the best assembly process.