Optimization and Selection of Alternative Modular Structures using Genetic Algorithms

Abstract

In most transformations from dedicated to modular approaches, products are assumed to have a unique modular structure. However, it is well known that alternatives for constructing modular structures may exist in any level of abstraction. Explicit considerations of alternative structures invoke changes in the number of module instances so that lower capital investment in modules, more independency of structures and higher efficiency can be achieved. Relatively few research papers that deal with the optimization of modular structures problem with alternative assembly combinations aiming at minimization of module investments were found in the literature. A genetic algorithm (GA) was applied to solve the optimization problem of selecting and combining the alternative of modular structures to create a set of modular structures minimizing the cost involved in its implementation. Test results are presented and the performance of the proposed GA is compared with solutions obtained from total enumeration tests.