Machine Component Clustering with Connection Correlation Method

Abstract

This study aims to introduce a new method for modular design, which is called Connection Correlation Method (CCM), to clustering machine parts with inter-part connection conditions to classify independent modules for the Industrial Printer Powertrain set with 105 components.With the CCM technique, module members would be appropriately assigned for each module so that machine modules are independent of their function.The CCM technique should first calculate the distance coefficient matrix with surface contact conditions of bonded, rough, separation, and frictionless for machine components.Finally, this distance coefficient matrix is used to generate the machine dendrogram with the dependency coefficient between 2.4945 and 3.5593.At the dependency coefficient of 2.7913, the 105 components of the Industrial Printer Powertrain set are clustered into 7 modules: Module 1 with 75 interconnection surfaces and 8 parts, Module 2 with 136 interconnection surfaces and 14 parts, Module 3 with 176 interconnection surfaces and 17 parts, Module 4 with 61 interconnection surfaces and 8 parts, Module 5 with 200 interconnection surfaces and 21 parts, Module 6 with 209 interconnection surfaces and 19 parts, and Module 7 with 18 interconnection surfaces and 18 parts.The results show that the CCM technique can apply to design a modular machine like DSM technique, and multitudinous connectivity factors can also be analysed together with general factors.