A Rapid Reconfiguration Method of Modular Fixtures Based on Flexible Manufacturing Equipment

Abstract

Flexible manufacturing equipment imposes dynamic reconfiguration requirements on the fixture system under the multi-variety and variable batch production mode, while traditional rigid fixtures fail to meet the changeover cycle time constraints due to their long disassembly and assembly cycles and poor interface adaptability. This paper proposes a rapid reconfiguration method based on modular fixtures, and the research is carried out from three aspects: architectural mechanism, interface characterization, and decision-making and regulation. First, the driving constraints of flexible manufacturing equipment on fixture reconfiguration are revealed, the self-similar hierarchical decomposition principle is established, and the spatiotemporal coupling characteristics of the reconfiguration process are described. Second, standardized interfaces with geometric and mechanical decoupling are designed, the modular coded representation and parametric modeling method are proposed, and a combination rule matching algorithm for reconfiguration is constructed. Finally, a heuristic search framework for reconfiguration paths is established, its convergence analysis is conducted, the rigid-flexible coupling response mechanism during the transient switching process is elucidated, and the optimization criteria for reconfiguration schemes under multi-objective constraints are provided. The proposed method offers systematic theoretical support and a technical pathway for the rapid reconfiguration of fixture systems in flexible manufacturing environments.