A RULE-BASED FRAME SYSTEM FOR CONCURRENT ASSEMBLY MACHINES

The aim of this research is to develop a rule-based frame system for p rinted circuit board (PCB) assembly to generate the component feeder a rrangement and placement sequence for concurrent chip placement machin es. A knowledge base of frames, assertions and rules are used in the m ethodology to solve the PCB assembly process of SMT components. The sy stem has been implemented using an AI programming environment, GOLDWOR KS(R). A heuristic approach is used to minimize placement cycle time i n PCB assembly. The objective of the solution method is to reduce the X-Y table displacement, movement and component feeder translation move ment. Such a system is aimed at obtaining good solutions to the proble m as illustrated by an example.