Multi-objective optimization design of a fixture layout considering locator displacement and force-deformation

The fixture determines the workpiece position in a machining process; therefore, an increasing amount of attention has been given to fixture layout design. While machining, the workpiece position is affected by two major sources: (a) the locator displacement and (b) the force-deformation of the workpiece-fixture system. In the beginning of this paper, a geometric model considering the shape of a locator is developed to analyze the location performance, followed by the presentation of a simplified solving method and a location layout performance index. Second, to complete the force-deformation analysis, a finite element method-based force-deformation model is built and accelerated by a new method with a lower computer memory cost. Based on these two models, multiple objects of fixture layout optimization problems are proposed, and a multi-objective genetic algorithm-based optimization method is constructed. Finally, testing examples are approved to examine the validity of the method represented in this paper. These methods can provide a more accurate prediction of the locating performance in more widely used cases, and they have faster calculating speeds with lower computer memory costs.