CONSTRAINED 3-DIMENSIONAL COMPONENT LAYOUT USING SIMULATED ANNEALING

This research introduces a computational algorithm that uses simulated annealing to optimize three-dimensional component layouts. General co mponent layout problems are characterized by three objectives: achievi ng high packing density, fitting components into a given container and satisfying spatial constraints on components. This paper focuses on t he extension of a simulated annealing packing algorithm to a general l ayout algorithm through the implementation of a language of spatial co nstraints that are characteristic of layout problems. These constraint s allow the designer to specify desired component proximities or to re strict translation or rotation of components based on a global origin or set of coordinate axes, or relative to other component locations or orientations. The layout of components from a cordless power drill il lustrates the algorithm.