Connector-link-part-based disassembly sequence planning

Under the trend of concurrent engineering, the correspondence between functions and physical structures in product design is gaining importance. Between the functions and parts, connectors are the basic unit for engineers to consider. Moreover, the relationship between connector-liaison-part will help accomplish the integration of information. Such efforts will help the development of the Knowledge Intensive CAD (KICAD) system. Therefore, we proposed a Connector-liaison-part-based disassembly sequence planning (DSP) in this study. First, the authors construct a release diagram through an interference relationship to express the priority of disassembly between parts. The release diagram will allow designers to review the rationality of product disassembly planning. Then, the cost calculation method and disassembly time matrix are established. Last, the greedy algorithm is used to find an appropriate disassembly sequence and seek suggestions for design improvement. Through the reference information, the function and corresponding modules are improved, from which the disassembly value of a product can be reviewed from a functional perspective. In this study, a fixed support holder is used as an example to validate the proposed method. The discussion of the connector-liaison-part will help the integration of the DSP and the functional connector approach.