This study presents a systematic decomposition process to carry out assembly synthesis as a tool during the conceptual design phase of a product. Two configurations obtained by structural topology optimization are decomposed automatically into assemblies consisting of multiple members with simpler geometries. Generating topology graphs for both products, the search for an optimal decomposition can then be posed as a graph partitioning problem. Considering the complexity and the corresponding computational overhead of the problem, a steady-state genetic algorithm is employed as the optimization method. The final objective function attempts to find a solution that brings about two structures with maximum structural strength, maximum assemblability, and one or more components that can be shared by both products. The software implementation is carried out and a bicycle frame design problem is solved using the procedure. It is observed that the algorithm manages to find an acceptable solution, allowing the commonality of one component in both end products and still maintaining a good structural strength and assemblability.
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March 2004
Technical Papers
Decomposition-Based Assembly Synthesis for Maximum Structural Strength and Modularity
O. L. Cetin, Graduate Student Research Assistant,
O. L. Cetin, Graduate Student Research Assistant
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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K. Saitou, Associate Professor
K. Saitou, Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Search for other works by this author on:
O. L. Cetin, Graduate Student Research Assistant
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
K. Saitou, Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Contributed by the Design Theory and Methodology Committee for publication in the JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL DESIGN. Manuscript received July 2001; rev. May 2003. Associate Editor: Linda Schmidt.
J. Mech. Des. Mar 2004, 126(2): 244-253 (10 pages)
Published Online: May 5, 2004
Article history
Received:
July 1, 2001
Revised:
May 1, 2003
Online:
May 5, 2004
Citation
Cetin, O. L., and Saitou, K. (May 5, 2004). "Decomposition-Based Assembly Synthesis for Maximum Structural Strength and Modularity ." ASME. J. Mech. Des. March 2004; 126(2): 244–253. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1667890
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