A genetic algorithm-based fixture locating positions and clamping schemes optimization

Abstract Optimizing the locator positions and clamping schemes of a fixture was proven to improve the dimensional and form accuracy of a workpiece significantly. A number of approaches have been developed to optimize the designs of sheet-metal assembly fixtures and machining fixtures. However, in these previous works, the optimal selection of the positions of locators and clamps were based on a stationary set of locator and clamp conditions; i.e. the numbers of the locators and clamps were fixed during optimization. This paper proposes a genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization method to select automatically the optimal numbers of locators and clamps as well as their optimal positions in sheet-metal assembly fixtures, such that the workpiece deformation due to the gravity effect and resulting variation due to part dimensional variation are simultaneously minimized. The application result of a real industrial part demonstrated that the proposed algorithm effectively achieves the objective.

[1]  Shreyes N. Melkote,et al.  Optimal Fixture Design Accounting for the Effect of Workpiece Dynamics , 2001 .

[2]  Joe Cecil,et al.  A Clamping Design Approach for Automated Fixture Design , 2001 .

[3]  K. C. Chan,et al.  A Genetic Algorithm Based Approach to Optimal Fixture Configuration , 1996 .

[4]  Warren R. DeVries,et al.  Optimization Methods Applied to Selecting Support Positions in Fixture Design , 1991 .

[5]  K. C. Seow,et al.  Conceptual Design of Fixtures using Genetic Algorithms , 1999 .

[6]  Bing Li,et al.  Principle and Simulation of Fixture Configuration Design for Sheet Metal Assembly with Laser Welding, Part 2: Optimal Configuration Design with Genetic Algorithm , 2001 .

[7]  Jingxia Yuan,et al.  Deformable Sheet Metal Fixturing: Principles, Algorithms, and Simulations , 1996 .

[8]  Shreyes N. Melkote,et al.  Machining fixture layout optimization using the genetic algorithm , 2000 .

[9]  Shabbir Choudhuri,et al.  An investigation into the use of spatial coordinates for the genetic algorithm based solution of the fixture layout optimization problem , 2002 .

[10]  Joe Cecil,et al.  Computer-Aided Fixture Design – A Review and Future Trends , 2001 .

[11]  S. J. Hu,et al.  An Integrated Model of a Fixture-Workpiece System for Surface Quality Prediction , 2001 .

[12]  Y.J.Gene Liao,et al.  Flexible multibody dynamics based fixture-workpiece analysis model for fixturing stability , 2000 .

[13]  C. R. Liu,et al.  A literature survey of fixturedesign automation , 1990 .

[14]  Shabbir Choudhuri,et al.  An investigation of the effectiveness of fixture layout optimization methods , 2002 .