Study on Automatic Determination of Assembly Sequence

Summary This paper describes the automatic determination of assembly/disassembly sequence of machine units from the assembly drawings. Firstly, based on an assumption that the sequence of assembly is the reverse of that of disassembly, connective relations between parts such as fit, taper contact and clamping contact are classified according to the degree of freedom of motion. From this, the rules which govern the sequence are derived. They are classified into two levels: one is to sort the parts into serial groups along which assembly proceeds, and the other is to select parts in a group, both of which are described in terms of the principal connective relations of parts. Secondly, a simulation system to generate the feasible disassembly sequence is developed which includes description of the rules, checking of interference and accessibility conditions. Through the case studies on spindle head unit, gear box, etc., the effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated.