Patent ID: 6657798
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: G01M,G02B

Abstract:
A method for selecting parts for N similar assemblies, each assembly comprising M parts, comprising:a) grouping parts into M groups, each group having a number nm&gE;N of similar parts, wherein M, N and nm are integers greater than 4, and wherein m is an integer from 1 to M; b) recording a number pm of physical characteristics for each of the nm parts in each of the M groups; c) selecting a first group consisting of one part from each of the M groups of parts; then d) computing a value that the first group would have if assembled into an assembly, the value computed using the physical characteristics of each of the M parts selected; and then e) repeating steps c) and d) until N groups of parts are selected, each group consisting of one part from each of the M groups of parts, and wherein no part is a member of more than one of the N groups of parts, and wherein the value for each group meets a criterion; wherein each pm is an integer, and wherein each of the N selected groups of M parts, when assembled together into an assembly, cooperate together to perform the same function.