Path planning for flexible components using a virtual reality environment

Assembly/disassembly (A/D) operation simulation during the product design is an important aspect to improve the performance and quality of products. Current A/D path planning approaches are based on models representing rigid parts. So, an important aspect is an adequate simulation of flexible parts for path planning. The approach proposed will be used as a basis to simulate flexible parts into a virtual reality (VR) environment for the A/D evaluation. First, the study of current assembly path planning methods is performed. Next, as an issue of the problems discussed, a new system integrating real-time and interactive mechanical simulation approaches is proposed. Finally, an example of the interactive mechanical model applicable to flexible rods used into an A/D path planning context for the VR simulation is presented. The present approach is considered as a proposal for a methodology used with VR environments during the product design process.