A framework for automated mechanical assembly planning

In this paper, a framework for automated mechanical assembly planning is discussed. The paper addresses three major issues: conceptual assembly design representation, assemblability analysis, and assembly plan generation. The objective of the study is to develop an effective way to model and plan for the assembly of a product. It is hoped that noty assembly planning can be automated, but also the feedback provided by the planning system can help to improve the design from a manufacturing point of view. Since the feasibility of automating the assembly plan generation depends on whether the assembly design is represented in a complete, unambiguous, and easy to use form, the design representation is the first issue addressed. In order to ensure the “manufacturability” of an assembly, the assemblability of the design must be analyzed at the early design stage. This analysis can be viewed as a rough planning. It provides the designer a quick feedback, thus the design can be changed before it is finalized. Before the actual assembly can be conducted, a detailed assembly plan must be prepared. Such an assembly plan is used for shop scheduling, and sometimes assembly system design.