A subassembly identification method for truss structures manufacturing based on community detection

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an automated method for complicated truss structure subassembly identification. Design/methodology/approach – A community-detecting algorithm is introduced and adapted to reach the target. The ratio between oriented bounding boxes of parts is used as the weight to reflect the compact degree of assembly relationships. The authors also propose a method to merge nodes together at cut-vertex in model, by which the solving process could be accelerated. Findings – This method could identify the subassemblies of complex truss structures according to the specific requirements. Research limitations/implications – This research area is limited to truss structures. This research offers a new method in assembly sequences planning area. It could identify subassemblies in complex truss structures, with which the existing method is not adequate to deal. Practical implications – This method could facilitate the complex truss structures assembly planning, lower the human errors and reduce the planning time. Social implications – The method could inspire general assembly analysis planning. Originality/value – All authors of this paper confirm that this manuscript is original and has not been submitted or published elsewhere.