A Virtual Assembly Approach for Product Assemblability Analysis and Workplace Design

Abstract

A virtual assembly approach is proposed for the analysis of product assemblability during the design stage. A visual assembly environment created in DELMIA is developed and its capability is demonstrated via a case study of a blower assembly. Based on the simulation of the entire assembly process, cycle time and human factor issues are evaluated from an ergonomics point of view. Comparison results show that the assembly cycle time and energy expenditure can be reduced when the operator posture is improved as a result of workplace redesign. Simulation results of the virtual assembly can be used for the planning and validation of the actual assembly process as well as feedback for design changes.