Smart Design for Assembly using the Simulated Annealing Approach

This addresses the combinatorial optimization problem applied to spatial layout of components in mechatronic devices. There is a growing need in the industry to create a flexible and intelligent design tool, which allows the engineer to handle the complexity and non-linearity involved with developing of 3D mechatronic device more effectively. The main objective of this research is to develop a feasible optimization algorithm based on simulated annealing (SA) method. SA represents a family of randomized algorithms that are used to solve a wide range of combinatorial optimization problems. This chapter presents a conceptual model of an integrated design environment based on the SA algorithm embedded within computer-aided design (CAD) software Solid Works. It focuses on the structural optimization of housing and layout design, with the objective to minimize the required assembly space. In addition, it presents a method to automate the design process by introducing the integrative modeling approach for a set of design modules.