A feature-based model is proposed for assembly sequence planning automation
. The fundamental assembly modeling strategy for a product is based on the
mating features of its components. The objectives of this study are to inte
grate assembly planning of a product with its CAD model, generate a correct
and practical assembly sequence and establish a software system to carry o
ut the planning process. A disassembly approach in assembly planning is use
d in this study. The degree of freedom information between two mating featu
res is used to characterize their kinematic conditions. Boolean operations
of the degrees of freedom on all features of a component provides its local
degree of freedom, which is used to set up the functional precedence relat
ion. In some cases, where the functional precedence relation cannot be dete
cted by geometric reasoning, clipping of the known 'common sense' relation
is applied by a user. A bounding box checking approach is used to ensure no
global collision during assembly, Furthermore, a set of criteria based on
assembly feasibility, manipulability, assembly direction, cost and stabilit
y is used to choose a good assembly sequence. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevie
r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.