Concurrent conceptual design of aero-structure assembly lines

The aim of this work is to present the process for the concurrent design of aero-structure assembly lines. Such process will be used to develop a Knowledge Based System (KBS) to automatically generate feasible assembly line models during the conceptual phase of an aero-structure development. The assembly line models will be based on the product manufacturing solutions adopted, which are derived from the design solutions. The assembly line design process is conducted concurrently with product design. Each assembly line model will be defined by a set of information. Such information has been identified and structure into a set of Units of Knowledge (UoKs). Using the MOKA methodology, such UoKs will be defined in a knowledge model for the development of the KBS. The objective is to obtain a set of results that comprises the main characteristics of the assembly line and its early industrialization. Such characteristics are related to: machines, tooling and jigs, technologies to be used, space needed, logistic requirements, work force needed, etc. Expected benefits are the formalization and rationalization of the assembly line definition process, standardization of the solutions, development time reduction, and formalization and capture of the knowledge needed.