A framework for the evaluation and selection of assembly plans

The authors introduce four criteria for evaluation of assembly plans. Quantitative measures corresponding to the criteria are also introduced. The quantitative measures are used to search for an optimal assembly plan from the modified AND/OR graph representation of assembly plans of a product using a branch-and-bound algorithm. The graph-search technique is used to avoid complete enumeration and evaluation of all feasible assembly plans of a product and to improve the efficiency of the selection process for the best plan. In the search process of an optimal assembly plan, the structure of an assembly system and assembly tasks are determined.<
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