Subassembly detection and optimal assembly sequence generation through Elephant search algorithm

Abstract

Most of the engineering products are made with multiple components. The products with multiple subassemblies offer greater flexibility for parallel assembly operation and also disassembly operation during its end of life. Assembly cost and time can be minimized by reducing the number of assembly levels. In this paper Elephant search algorithm is used to perform Optimal Assembly Sequence Planning (OASP) in order to minimize the number of assembly levels. Subassembly identification technique is used as an integral part of algorithm to identify the parallel assembly possibilities. The proposed method is implemented on industrial products and a detailed comparative assessment has been made with suitable product illustrations to corroborate the efficiency.