Optimisation process for robotic assembly of electronic components

Adoption of robots in the manufacturing environment is a way to improve productivity, and the assembly of electronic components has benefited from the adoption of highly dedicated automation equipment. Traditionally, articulated 6-axis robots have not been used in electronic surface mount assembly. However, the need for more flexible production systems that can be used for low to medium production builds means that these robots can be used due to their high degrees of flexibility, excellent repeatability and increasingly lower investment costs. This research investigated the application of an articulated robot with six degrees of freedom to assemble a multi-component printed circuit board (PCB) for an electronic product. A heuristic methodology using a genetic algorithm was used to plan the optimal sequence and identify the best location of the parts to the assembly positions on the PCB. Using the optimised paths, a condition monitoring method for cycle time evaluation was conducted using a KUKA KR16 assembly cell together with four different robot path motions. The genetic algorithm approach together with different assembly position iterations identified an optimisation method for improved production throughput using a non-traditional but highly flexible assembly method. The application of optimised articulated robots for PCB assembly can bridge the gap between manual assembly and the high-throughput automation equipment

Improving the bees algorithm for complex optimisation problems

An improved swarm-based optimisation algorithm from the Bees Algorithm family for solving complex optimisation problems is proposed. Like other Bees Algorithms, the algorithm performs a form of exploitative local search combined with random exploratory global search. This thesis details the development and optimisation of this algorithm and demonstrates its robustness. The development includes a new method of tuning the Bees Algorithm called Meta Bees Algorithm and the functionality of the proposed method is compared to the standard Bees Algorithm and to a range of state-of-the-art optimisation algorithms. A new fitness evaluation method has been developed to enable the Bees Algorithm to solve a stochastic optimisation problem. The new modified Bees Algorithm was tested on the optimisation of parameter values for the Ant Colony Optimisation algorithm when solving Travelling Salesman Problems. Finally, the Bees Algorithm has been adapted and employed to solve complex combinatorial problems. The algorithm has been combined with two neighbourhood operators to solve such problems. The performance of the proposed Bees Algorithm has been tested on a number of travelling salesman problems, including two problems on printed circuit board assembly machine sequencing

Modelling and simulation of paradigms for printed circuit board assembly to support the UK's competency in high reliability electronics

The fundamental requirement of the research reported within this thesis is the provision of physical models to enable model based simulation of mainstream printed circuit assembly (PCA) process discrete events for use within to-be-developed (or under development) software tools which codify cause & effects knowledge for use in product and process design optimisation. To support a national competitive advantage in high reliability electronics UK based producers of aircraft electronic subsystems require advanced simulation tools which offer model based guidance. In turn, maximization of manufacturability and minimization of uncontrolled rework must therefore enhance inservice sustainability for ‘power-by-the-hour’ commercial aircraft operation business models. [Continues.

Intelligent assembly in flexible automation

This work investigates the automation of assembly cells and the need to incorporate sensor-guided decision techniques. The experience of industry in this area is examined by observing a real cell on the shop floor. From the collected data conclusions point to an alternative error interpretation which describes the successful completion rather than an enumeration of errors. A methodology for the description of the process in robotic assembly is developed. The constituent phases in handling components are identified as Feeding, Transport and Mating. Each phase has well defined characteristic properties which can be determined using appropriate sensing mechanisms. The mating phase is given special attention by proposing the method of information Spaces as a suitable frame work for sensor fusion and context directed interpretation. Thus the successful progress is described regarding any deviations as errors. They in turn can be interpreted in the context in which they were encountered and recovery is accomplished in the demonstration cell by operator taught routines. Where error repetition occurs, a simple look-up technique suffices to remove the need for another operator intervention. The required data structures and the implementation of the experimental cell are discussed. It is concluded from the results that the principle of knowledge-based assembly control exhibits an intelligent behaviour which contributes to an increase in the cell productivity. This method addresses only a part of the overall problem of assembly automation, but it has a central place in the system and could be extended to the complete system

Cumulative index to NASA Tech Briefs, 1986-1990, volumes 10-14

Tech Briefs are short announcements of new technology derived from the R&D activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. These briefs emphasize information considered likely to be transferrable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines and are issued to encourage commercial application. This cumulative index of Tech Briefs contains abstracts and four indexes (subject, personal author, originating center, and Tech Brief number) and covers the period 1986 to 1990. The abstract section is organized by the following subject categories: electronic components and circuits, electronic systems, physical sciences, materials, computer programs, life sciences, mechanics, machinery, fabrication technology, and mathematics and information sciences

Fabricate 2020

Fabricate 2020 is the fourth title in the FABRICATE series on the theme of digital fabrication and published in conjunction with a triennial conference (London, April 2020). The book features cutting-edge built projects and work-in-progress from both academia and practice. It brings together pioneers in design and making from across the fields of architecture, construction, engineering, manufacturing, materials technology and computation. Fabricate 2020 includes 32 illustrated articles punctuated by four conversations between world-leading experts from design to engineering, discussing themes such as drawing-to-production, behavioural composites, robotic assembly, and digital craft

NASA Tech Briefs, Spring 1977

Topics: NASA TU Services: Technology Utilization services that can assist you in learning about and applying NASA technology; New Product Ideas: A summary of sel~ted innovations of value to manufacturers for the development of new products; Electronic Components and Circuits; Electronic Systems; Physical Sciences; Materials; Life Sciences; Mechanics; Machinery; Fabrication Technology; Mathematics and Information Sciences