Title: SOVA Assembly Modeling Framework: A Graph-based Data Model

Sponsor: NIST-ATP

Collaborators: R. Kumar, J. Kong, Y. Zhou, S. Gogoneni (Dimensional Control Systems)

Current research puts efforts on some design activities (for example, tolerance analysis and allocation, fixture layout design, and assembly sequence planning) without systematically viewing assembly as a proxy for a wide range of decisions. A literature review has shown that current assembly modeling methods are less mature and no model is commonly accepted. The objective of the SOVA assembly modeling framework is to develop a unified data model which function as a dynamic library of process design parameters wherein design for variation control can be conducted by varying some parameters.
This research develops an assembly model to serve as a basis for dimensional quality design. It captures the product and process information that affects dimensional variation propagation and unifies them in a graph-based data model. The graph-based data model allows design for variation control using tools developed in graph theory. In addition, it can be potentially integrated with existing CAD tools. A SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) side frame assembly is used to illustrate the presented data model of assembly.