Design of disassembly sequences using search strategies. Application of IDA* in state diagrams

The main aim of a disassembly process is to reuse components and reduce the negative impact it has on the environment. Reaching an efficient and effective sequence of disassembly has become one of the major concerns in this field. This article refers to the use of iterative deepening A* search (artificial intelligence), in the design of the disassembly sequence. This method is applied to the state diagrams, a simple representation of the different states in a disassembly sequence. This way, the design process gains efficiency by finding the final sequence in the first iteration; therefore removing the need to analyse all possible sequences, since the best possible sequence is known in the first iteration. The method can also be applied to mechanical, electromechanical and electronic appliances with the aim of obtaining components for reuse or final disposal. Experimental results demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the methodology.