Decomposition-Based Assembly Synthesis for Maximum Structural Strength and Modularity

Abstract

This study presents a systematic decomposition process to carry out assembly synthesis as a tool during the conceptual design phase of a product. Two configurations obtained by structural topology optimization are decomposed automatically into assemblies consisting of multiple members with simpler geometries. Generating topology graphs for both products, the search for an optimal decomposition can then be posed as a graph partitioning problem. Considering the complexity and the corresponding computational overhead of the problem, a steady-state genetic algorithm is employed as the optimization method. The final objective function attempts to find a solution that brings about two structures with maximum structural strength, maximum assemblability, and one or more components that can be shared by both products. The software implementation is carried out and a bicycle frame design problem is solved using the procedure. It is observed that the algorithm manages to find an acceptable solution, allowing the commonality of one component in both end products and still maintaining a good structural strength and assemblability.