Efficient Geometric Disassembly of Multiple Components from an Assembly Using Wave Propagation

Abstract

This paper analyzes the problem of disassembling multiple selected components from an assembly, defined as selective disassembly, and presents algorithms for efficient disassembly analysis of geometric models. Applications for selective disassembly include assembling, maintenance and recycling. A new approach called ‘Disassembly Wave Propagation’ is proposed to determine a selective disassembly sequence with minimal component removals from an assembly. This approach defines: (i) disassembly waves to topologically arrange the components denoting the disassembly order and (ii) intersection events between the waves to determine the selective disassembly sequences. In order to evaluate a minimal removal sequence in a feasible computation time, algorithms are proposed that prioritize and process the intersection events based on the order in which they occurred. The proposed algorithms analyze selective disassembly from the geometric perspective and are applicable for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional product assemblies. [S1050-0472(00)01402-1]