An optimization method based on improved ant colony algorithm for complex product change propagation path

Abstract

Due to factors such as changing customer demands and supply disruptions, product design changes are inevitable during the product development process. Selecting an appropriate product change propagation path not only maintains product performance but also reduces generation time and cost. This paper investigates an intelligent optimization method for complex product change propagation paths. Firstly, considering change duration, change cost, and the impact degree on product performance, a parameter network model of the product is constructed based on the parameter linkage relationship between product parts. Secondly, to solve this model a change propagation path optimization method based on an improved ant colony algorithm is proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm is validated on the design change problem of TV products at Skyworth RGB Co., Ltd. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can generate highly competitive optimal change paths for TV products.

Keywords

• Product change
• Multi-objective optimization
• Ant colony algorithm
• Product network