Multi-source Design Change Propagation Path Optimization for Complex Product Based on Weighted and Directed Network Model

Abstract: A multi-source design change propagation routing approach for complex product is proposed based on the weighted and directed network model. First, the directed network model for the structure of complex product is constructed through mapping the parts and the relations among them into the vertices and edges, respectively. The importance degree of connections among parts is calculated by using Linkrank algorithm. The change propagation index is defined considering the out-degree and in-degree of vertices. Then the change propagation intensity is calculated incorporating the lead-time of design task, the change propagation likelihood and the pre-defined two parameters. Take change propagation intensity as the weight of the edges, the change analysis network model is constructed. Second, more than one parts are selected as the multi-source of design change, then the optimal propagation path with the minimal accumulated change propagation intensity is searched by employing a modified ant colony optimization algorithm. Finally, the multi-source design change propagation path searching of DC Drill Planetary Gearbox is established to elaborate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.