Integrating Product Modularization and Assembly Line Reconfiguration Decisions: A Genetic Algorithm Approach

Z. Xu and M. Liang (Canada)

Keywords

Modular products, assembly line, reconfiguration, integration, genetic algorithm.

Abstract

To avoid conflicting decisions in modular product design and assembly system reconfiguration, the two issues have to be addressed jointly. In this paper, the integrated problem is formulated as a non-linear integer model. The quality loss function (QLF) is used to quantify non comensurable and conflicting objectives. Several evaluation metrics in both design and manufacturing are incorporated into the model. The integrated nature of the problem leads to NP-hard complexity of the model. A genetic algorithm (GA) is therefore developed to provide near optimal solutions. The GA has been applied to a modular product.

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