Principle and simulation of fixture configuration design for sheet metal assembly with laser welding. Part 2: Optimal configuration design with the genetic algorithm

A fixture plays a key role in ensuring proper metal fit-tip in sheet metal assembly with laser welding. In this paper, an optimal fixture configuratio n design model is proposed based on a nem, locating scheme which includes b oth total locating and direct locating on welds. In this model, both the nu mber and the location of the concerned locators are taken as objectives. Th e proposed prediction and correction method is used for determining the num ber of direct locators, and a pattern sorting method is developed for deter mining the number of total locators. Considering the degree of metal fit-ti p (DMF) to be a fuzzy quantity, a feasible evaluation criterion of DMF is a lso developed using a fuzzy synthesis evaluation method. A powerful optimis ation technique - genetic algorithm - is employed as the optimisation proce dure. A case study is presented which demonstrates the effectiveness of the optimal model, and the degree of metal fit-up can be improved compared to the initial locating scheme.