Application of a fuzzy decision support system in a Design for Assembly methodology

摘要

Concurrent engineering in product modelling aims at developing a comprehensive practical model capable of driving design, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and recycling activities. In this paper, an application of fuzzy logic to a Design for Assembly methodology is introduced. The main objective is to compute the assembly efficiency of a product from boundary representation geometric models and a minimal technological database. This work is based on the well-known Boothroyd-Dewhurst methodology for studying manual and automated assemblies. The use of a fuzzy decision support system involves the representation of this method by fuzzy sets. Each part of a product has to undergo computation of its handling and insertion efficiencies, as well as an evaluation of its relevance to the assembly. This evaluation process depends on geometric and technological criteria. The designer may experience difficulties in making a choice when there are several adequate solutions for every part. This paper demonstrates that a decision support system approach significantly improves the Boothroyd-Dewhurst methodology. The proposed approach is flexible and it can be applied to specific products.