Computer-aided assembly sequence editing and choice: editing criteria, bases, rules, and technique

Technical issues and computer-aided techniques for the choice of favorable product assembly sequences from representations of all possible assembly sequences are discussed. A review of assembly sequence issues is presented. Four bases for editing assembly sequences to find a preferred sequence are examined: editing representationally redundant sequences; pruning away any difficult, awkward, or unwanted elements while maintaining any preferred elements in the network of assembly possibilities; minimizing nonproductive assembly tasks such as reorientation of a subassembly; and choosing among candidate assembly sequences on a calculated economic basis. A hierarchical technique for assembly system design is presented. Because the technique is hierarchical, the sequence of applying editing criteria, called an editing strategy, is an issue. Several criteria for evolving an editing strategy are examined