Evaluation Of Assembly Processes Research Articles

AR-based human-in-the-loop manual assembly process evaluation with high-fidelity assembly simulation method

AR-based human-in-the-loop manual assembly process evaluation with high-fidelity assembly simulation method

Single and multi-objective optimization of a gearbox considering dynamic performance and assemblability

Today, most companies do not consider the assembly aspects of a product until late in the design process, and often do so in a manual way, mainly relying on the experience of the assembly engineers. This results in designs that comply with the performance requirements, but that have a suboptimal or unfeasible assembly process. This leads to design changes late in the product development process, causing significant extra costs. To solve this issue, a framework is presented, which is able to perform design optimizations considering both the assembly process and the performance of the future product, allowing trade-off analysis of the obtained solutions. The assembly process evaluation is automated with an algorithm that evaluates Design For Assembly (DFA) rules, enabling the assessment and quantitative evaluation of the ease-of-assembly of the whole product and/or individual assembly operations.The presented framework is used in the context of the design of a gearbox, in which total mass, assemblability and performance need to be optimized. The performance of the gearbox is determined by the axle‘s stiffness and first resonance frequency. The assemblability of the gearbox is evaluated based on 2 DFA rules. The first rule considers the number of unique types of standard parts used in the assembly and how they influence the complexity of the assembly process. The second rule evaluates the convenience of fastening standard parts (e.g., bolts or screws) using the corresponding tool during the assembly operation.First, the design problem is formulated as a single objective optimization in which mass and assemblability are optimized given constraints on the axle‘s stiffness and first resonance frequency. In each iteration of the optimization, a parametrized finite element model is used for the performance evaluation of the current design, while the assemblability cost estimation is based on the CAD model of the assembly. Second, a multi-objective co-optimization of the gearbox design is carried out were both performance and assemblability are optimized. By constructing the Pareto front an accurate and effective trade-off can be made between objectives of the gearbox design, which allows to reasonably choose the best design of the gearbox.

A virtual environment for complex products collaborative assembly operation simulation

As complex products such as automobiles and ships are usually developed at geographically dispersed locations, it brings the difficulty for component model verification and assembly process evaluation. To cope with this challenge, a relatively comprehensive system scheme which supports complex product real-time collaborative interactive assembly is proposed. To get high performance, the technologies such as parallel rendering for complex scene based on pc-cluster, high-efficient collision detection method, the mechanism of event synchronization based on HLA/RTI (High level Architecture/Run-time Infrastructure) are applied. A prototype system named Distributed Parallel Virtual Assembly Environment (DPVAE) is developed. With DPVAE, users at different location can do assembly operation collaboratively by hand or by tool, to conduct the component model verification and assembly process evaluation at the same time. Through a case study of RA750 car assembly, the validity of system functions has been demonstrated successfully.

Distributed parallel virtual assembly environment for automobile development

PurposeAutomobile development needs more and more collaborative work involving geographical dispersed designers, that brings difficulty for model verification, conception review and assembly process evaluation, so a collaborative virtual environment for automobile based on network is required. In this kind of environment, designers can do interactive assembly operations collaboratively, such as grasp, move, release, collision detection (CD), assembly evaluation report generation, etc. Furthermore, automobile structure becomes more complicated, how to process this large real‐time data effectively in real‐time interactive virtual environment is a great challenge. The purpose of this paper is focus on this.Design/methodology/approachA distributed parallel virtual assembly environment (DPVAE) is developed. In this environment, the mechanism of event synchronization based on high‐level architecture/run‐time infrastructure) is applied to realize multi‐user collaboratively interactive operation. To meet the large data set real‐time processing demand, a creative parallel processing approach supported by a single supercomputer or a parallel processing environment composed of common personal computer in a high‐speed local area network is developed. The technologies such as real‐time CD, multiple interactive operation modals are applied in DPVAE and several auxiliary tools are provide to help achieving whole scheme review, component model verification and assembly evaluation.FindingsThis paper finds that DPVAE system is an available and efficient tool to support automobile collaborative assembly design.Practical implicationsDesigners can discuss and verify the assembly scheme to realize the previous design scenario in DPVAE, so it is useful for reducing costs, improving quality and shortening the time to market, especially for new type automobile development.Originality/valueA combination of distributed technology and parallel computing technology is applied in product virtual assembly, solving the problems including collaborative work of multi‐user and large data real‐time processing successfully, that provides a useful tool for automobile development.

Analysis and evaluation for assembly behaviour of reheat stop valve based on virtual prototyping

PurposeThis paper aims to develop an assembly behaviour dynamic model of reheat stop valve assembly under run‐time situations and combined (assembly error, friction, fluid dynamics and thermal load behaviour) and to carry out assembly process evaluation and optimisation.Design/methodology/approachThe fluid dynamic behaviour analysis is carried out for the dynamic torque characteristics of reheat stop valve and for the thermal load distribution of the valve shaft‐bush subassembly, which is used for evaluating the thermal deformation of valve shaft by using of finite elements method. The assembly behaviour dynamic model is developed by multibody dynamics theory, which is as the basis of developing virtual prototyping platform for analysing and evaluating the current assembly process.FindingsIt is revealed that the deformation (ε) of valve shaft due to the thermal load, and the assembly coaxial error (e) can change the motion clearance remarkably, which lead the dynamic properties and performance of reheat stop valve changed greatly. The current assembly behaviour variable are not optimum and the initial design clearance between valve shaft and bush 4# can be optimised by the developed virtual prototyping platform on the basis of ADAMS® API. The results of evaluation for the assembly behaviour reveal the well dynamic characteristics of reheat stop valve with the optimum assembly behaviour variable. This will be useful for improving the current assembly process of reheat stop valve.Research limitations/implicationsThe present assembly behaviour dynamic model based on virtual prototyping for optimum assembly process design uses only single objective optimisation (the most important clearance between valve shaft and bush 4#). For a complete optimum assembly process design has to be carried out with other three clearance variables (the clearance between valve shaft and bush 1#, bush 2# and bush 3#) together.Practical implicationsThe present analysis provides some benchmarks for improving the current assembly process. In practice, the assembly coaxial tolerance of valve shaft‐bush subassembly and the initial design clearances must be limited strictly.Originality/valueThis paper provides a methodology for analysis and evaluation of reheat stop valve assembly behaviour with the consideration of combined environmental behaviours. Based on this methodology, it is possible to develop an assembly behaviour dynamic model, and further, to develop a virtual prototyping platform for analysing and evaluating the assembly process which will offer help to designers for improving the reheat stop valve assembly process.

Design Evaluation of Multi-station Assembly Processes by Using State Space Approach

This paper considers the problem of evaluating and benchmarking process design configuration in a multi-station assembly process. We focus on the unique challenges brought by the multi-station system, namely, (1) a system level model to characterize the variation propagation in the entire process, and (2) the necessity to describe the system response to variation inputs at both global (system level) and local (station level and single fixture level) scales. State space representation is employed to recursively describe the propagation of variation in such a multi-station process, incorporating process design information such as fixture locating layout at individual stations and station-to-station locating layout change. Following the sensitivity analysis in control theory, a group of hierarchical sensitivity indices is defined and expressed in terms of the system matrices in the state space model, which are determined by the given process design configuration. Implication of these indices with respect to variation control is discussed and a three-step procedure of applying the sensitivity indices for selecting a better design and prioritizing the critical station/fixture is presented. We illustrate the proposed method using the group of sensitivity indices in design evaluation of the assembly process of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) side panel.

Ergotool for Improvement of Ergonomics and Process Flow in Assembly

Manufacturers are forced to improve the flow of assembly orders in order to meet demands on short delivery times. At the same time, the human factor is increasingly important. To improve assembly processes and workstation design, a participatory approach was developed by TNO and applied in companies. Goals of this approach are lead time reduction and improvement of ergonomics. In March 2000 the European project PSIM was launched. PSIM means Participative Simulation environment for Integral Manufacturing enterprise renewal. The ERGO-Sociotechnical (EIS) tool, is developed within the PSIM project. This software tool helps in the evaluation of assembly processes.

The Biomechanical Evaluation of Biomedical Products Assembly Process

This paper adresses the topic of assembly process evaluation using biomechanical criteria in order to assess the posture and work load of operators involved in the assembly of small plastic products. The labor activity will be recorded using a videocinematography system called Biomec which is capable to capture the human movements and map the data acquired to biomechanical parameters. A pilot study will be conducted in advance, to analyse the planes of movement and the number of cameras that will be necessery for the study. The captured image is freezed and digitalized by the software Biomec into a human model composed of wire framed segments that represent the human segments The biomechanical model is treated by Biomec in order to calculate the biomechanical parameters involved in the assembly work. The methodology of getting data is composed of the following steps: a first shot of the situation is performed in order to raise the initial problems. In sequence the relevant data is identified and it is proceeded the constrution of the biomechanical model of the human segments involved. A second shot is undertaken to treat the data using the Biomec capability in order to evaluate the stresses involved and postural constraints. The final result is the analysis of the work situation and recommendations to improve the workstation.

A fuzzy management decision support system for scenario analysis

Journal of Electronics ManufacturingVol. 04, No. 01, pp. 1-9 (1994) PAPERSNo AccessA fuzzy management decision support system for scenario analysisL.P. KHOO, N.C. HO and T.W. CHOAL.P. KHOOSchool of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 2263, Singapore Search for more papers by this author , N.C. HOGINTIC Institute of Manufacturing Technology, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 2263, Singapore Search for more papers by this author and T.W. CHOASchool of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 2263, Singapore Search for more papers by this author https://doi.org/10.1142/S096031319400002XCited by:7 Next AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsRecommend to Library ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail AbstractForecasting the future is an important aspect of strategic planning. In recent years, an increasing number of corporate planners and forecasters have been turning to forecasting techniques to assist them in management decision-making. This paper presents a fuzzy management decision support system for scenario analysis. The system, developed in dBFAST, comprises two modules: data input and scenario generation. It is aimed at emulating the expert’s reasoning process in forecasting. It adopts a hybrid technique—a combination of fuzzy Delphi analysis and fuzzy reasoning—for problem solving. Three widely accepted forecasting techniques—the Delphi method, trend impact analysis and cross-impact analysis—are briefly reviewed. The hybrid technique developed and the details of the fuzzy management decision support system for scenario analysis are described. Using a case study on the penetration of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) in the electronics industry in Singapore as an example, the performance of the system is discussed.Keywords:Fuzzy reasoningfuzzy Delphi analysisscenario analysiscross-impact analysistrend impact analysisDelphi methodcomputer-integrated manufacturingquantitative reasoningqualitative reasoning FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited By 7Multi-person Collaborative Augmented Reality Assembly Process Evaluation System Based on HoloLensJingFei Wang, YaoGuang Hu and XiaoNan Yang29 May 2022Hybrid intelligent scenario generator for business strategic planning by using ANFISSorousha Moayer and Parisa A. Bahri1 May 2009 | Expert Systems with Applications, Vol. 36, No. 4Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System for generating scenarios in business strategic planningSorousha Moayer, Parisa A. Bahri and Ali Nooraii1 Oct 2007A PDES/STEP-based model and system for concurrent integrated design and assembly planningX.F Zha and H Du1 Dec 2002 | Computer-Aided Design, Vol. 34, No. 14A fuzzy-based genetic approach to the diagnosis of manufacturing systemsL.P. Khoo, C.L. Ang and J. Zhang1 Jun 2000 | Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, Vol. 13, No. 3Designing with scenarios: A critical review of current research and practiceDespina Filippidou1 Mar 1998 | Requirements Engineering, Vol. 3, No. 1Framework of a fuzzy quality function deployment systemL. P. KHOO and N. C. HO1 Feb 1996 | International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 34, No. 2 Recommended Vol. 04, No. 01 Metrics History Received 1 August 1993 Accepted 1 October 1993 KeywordsFuzzy reasoningfuzzy Delphi analysisscenario analysiscross-impact analysistrend impact analysisDelphi methodcomputer-integrated manufacturingquantitative reasoningqualitative reasoningPDF download