Product model representation concept for the purpose of assembly process modelling

Automatic assembly process generation for the purpose of assembly line planning requires a versatile product model representation as an input. This representation should consist of geometric information and assembly-specific features, e.g. information on handling, connections and precedence relations. In developing such a feature-based representation, many issues have to be taken into consideration concerning the main purpose of the model. This paper intends to introduce the problem background and give an overview of the conceptual requirements that are set for the representation in the project at hand. It also introduces the product model representation fulfilling the stated requirements; the process-based assembly representation. A collaborative design environment will be used for the modelling process. The underlying idea is to have a product model presented as assembly processes in the same manner as the production equipment will be presented. This will enable the mapping of the processes and, thus, the planning and optimisation of reconfigurable assembly lines.