Optimization of flexible fixture layout using N-M principle

Fixture layout has a direct impact on the machining quality of thin-walled parts. However, there are few studies on the flexible fixture of automotive interior decoration, especially for car dashboards. With the development of individualized demand, the production trend of car dashboards is changing from large-quantity to multi-variety and small-batch, which makes the demand for flexible fixture of car dashboards. Therefore, a kind of flexible fixture for car dashboards based on a new N-M principle was proposed in this paper. With the scientific problem illustrated, this paper put forward a method by coupling genetic algorithm and finite element analysis to deal with the flexible fixture layout optimization. The optimization model of fixture layout based on the N-M principle was set up by taking the maximum deformation of car dashboards as the optimization objective and setting constraints. Finite element model was established to calculate the deformation by setting the boundary conditions, the equivalent cutting force. Genetic algorithm was used to search the optimal solution of the fixture layout. A case was studied to verify the method, and the result showed that the maximum deformation was reduced by 56.5% and the stiffness was increased by 0.77 times, which fully demonstrated the effectiveness of the method.