A CASE STUDY OF INTERACTIVE DESIGN OF A PRODUCT AND ITS ASSEMBLY LINE

摘要

It is well known that a robotic or automatic assembly cell can hardly be economical if the design of the product has not been improved. In a previous paper &#91;1&#93; we presented a methodology for the interactive design of a product and its assembly line.<br> This paper presents a case study of the design of a household electric fan. The greatest saving arises from the redesign of the base which is mainly composed of molded plastic parts and screws. These parts with low functionality can easily be combined. Saving on the drive system is more difficult. This subassembly is composed of parts with high functionality which can not easily be combined.<br> Based on the analysis, the product is redesigned and a first draft of the assembly line is proposed.