A framework for collaborative top-down assembly design

This paper presents a new system framework for collaborative top-down assembly design. Different from current computer-aided design (CAD) systems, the framework allows a group of designers to collaboratively conduct product design in a top-down manner. In our framework, a multi-level and distributed assembly model is adopted to effectively support collaborative top-down assembly design. Meanwhile, fine-granularity collaborative design functionalities are provided. First, the coupled structural parameters involved in the distributed skeleton models of the product can be collaboratively determined by the correlative designers based on fuzzy and utility theory. Second, agent based design variation propagation is achieved to ensure the consistency of the multi-level and distributed assembly model during the whole design process. Third, collaborative design of assembly interfaces between the components assigned to different designers is supported. The prototype implementation shows that our framework works well for supporting practical collaborative top-down assembly design.     

面向对象产品装配模型的研究

对产品装配表达要求、产品设计过程要求进行了深入的探讨，基于产品装配对象的分析，提出了一个面向对象的产品装配模型。设计和实现了装配模型类及类层次结构，对该模型在产品信息的表达和管理，面向对象特性，支持Top-Down设计等方面进行了讨论和分析。该装配模型在软件系统设计中得到了很好的应用。     

A framework for a distributed CAD system

The DIJA project is a web-based CAD system accessible to any user (from neophyte to expert) and from a simple desktop computer. Its modeling approach is based on a top-down methodology and takes into account trade information. In this paper, we propose a network architecture based on a replication process and a multi-level language to manage the consistency between the client model and the server model. The whole CAD system is based on a modular architecture communicating with messages exchanges and provides a general architecture for all trade CAD applications.     

Geometric skeleton computation enabling concurrent product engineering and assembly sequence planning

This paper introduces a novel modelling approach to geometric skeleton computation enabling concurrent product engineering and assembly sequence planning. Current engineering vision has recently moved towards new modelling and management paradigms to maintain competitive edges all along the product lifecycle. Consistent with concurrent engineering and design for X stakes, this recent shift promotes cross-X and knowledge-intensive philosophies in the product development process, principally focused on lifecycle engineering.The main objective of this research is to integrate assembly process engineering information and knowledge in the early phases of the product development process in a top-down and proactive manner, in order to provide a geometric skeleton-based assembly context for designers. The definition of the product and its related assembly sequence requires both the enhancement and the entire understanding of product relationships between the various product components, and its related assembly rationale. As a consequence, this new modelling approach highlights the need to integrate various stakeholders’ viewpoints involved in the beginning of the product lifecycle. In such a context, earlier work has achieved the early generation of an optimal assembly sequence in the product development process, before the product geometry is completely defined. As a result, previous research has made possible to control and bind the product modelling phase through an assembly oriented product structure.The aim of the proposed approach is to compute and define a geometric skeleton model based on product relational information and the early-defined assembly sequence. The proposed approach–called SKeLeton geometry-based Assembly Context Definition (SKL-ACD)–enables the control of the product modelling phase by introducing skeleton entities consistent with product relationships and assembly sequence planning information. A prototype application within a CAD tool has been developed for aiding geometric skeleton computation and generation. Lastly, an industrial case study is introduced to highlight the feasibility and the relevance of the proposed modelling approach.     

支持产品全生命周期设计的广义装配建模的研究

装配建模的实质就在于如何在计算机内有效地表达装配体外在的和内在的关系。本文在分析装配体几何实体信息模型、配合联接信息及设计约束机制的基础上,提出了一种以层次结构信息为逻辑主干,以拓朴联接信息为重要组成部分、支持产品全生命周期设计的广义装配模型的表达机制。该模型具有在数据结构与设计者的概念模型相同,便于理解,支持自上而下逐步求精的设计过程,便于装配模型根据需要进行修改和扩充,支持产品生命周期设计的全过程等特点。     

Web-based modular interface geometries with constraints in assembly models

The use of a modular technique in modeling for assembly can improve design efficiency and reduce the cost of product development. This paper presents an approach to an assembly model that was built using modular interface geometries. This paper proposes a novel, hybrid modular design strategy instead of the traditional, top-down design process. The curve-joint method is used as a simplified process for converting a 3D solid model to a skeleton model with interface geometries in modeling for assembly. This research builds assembly interface geometries with their constraints in the assembly model instead of using information about individual assembly parts for the product. These interface geometries are easy to share, and they deliver the design requirements properly. They also ensure that minimal efforts will be required in the design change process. By implementing this method, the constraints of the features in modular assembly parts can be transferred to interface geometries. Designers can easily add, replace, and delete design parts in the modular product. Module interaction for application programmed interface (MIAPI) is developed using HTML and JavaScript. The module structure of products can be verified via the web-based Internet in VRML format. These simplified assembly models that have fewer constraints allow design project managers to simulate the functioning of the product in the modularized design before the prototype is built. By using the assembly models, customers can easily choose various modules to assemble the exact products they are seeking via the Internet process. A desk lamp model is used as the example for implementation to validate the feasibility of this research.     

Development of a CAD-based intelligent manufacturing system

This research proposes a CAD-based manufacturing system that embraces computer-aided design, design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA), computer-aided process planning (CAPP), computer-aided assembly planning (CAAP), and vision-robot integration. The proposed system starts with the design of products using a commercial CAD software, Autocad. The design data is then extracted from the CAD database and organized into a standardized product model. Interface programs are used to translate the geometrical and topological information in the model into DFMA, CAPP, CAAP and vision image representations. Based on the results generated by the interface programs the applications using artificial intelligence techniques can automatically generate redesign advises, CNC part programs, assembly sequence and instructions for robots.     

三维轻量化模型在制造工艺上的应用

由于工艺数据比设计数据更加庞大,同时在产品设计过程使用众多的三维设计软件,工艺如何和三维CAD进行集成,工艺如何基于三维CAD进行加工工艺设计和装配工艺设计,如何利用三维模型的信息完整、可视的独特优势提高工艺编制的质量和效率,并实现产品模型信息的统一,对于数字化制造具有重要意义。文中重点描述使用三维轻量化技术实现工艺设计的原则和应用场景。     

装配式建筑自上而下设计信息协同与模型构建

为顺应国家建筑产业化、智能化发展的政策引导,针对当前装配式建筑专业信息缺乏关联、模 型利用不充分、数据传递效率低下等问题,提出基于建筑信息模型(BIM)技术的自上而下设计方法。以装配式 建筑的设计阶段为切入点,详细阐述了基于 BIM 技术的装配式建筑自上而下设计流程。结合装配式建筑的标 准化构件设计和组装特点,提出一种基于自上而下设计的装配模型,并从层级和专业 2 个角度描述了模型的架 构。针对各专业模型传递时的数据信息标准化、一致性问题,通过工业基础类(IFC)标准对装配模型进行实体和 属性集的扩展,提出基于 IFC 标准的各专业、各阶段的自上而下设计信息协同。经实例验证了 IFC 扩展装配模 型的自上而下设计可行性,为装配式建筑的协同设计提供了有益的方法借鉴。     

支持自顶向下设计的产品功能建模技术

自顶向下的设计模式符合一般的设计规律，而以几何建模技术为主的各种CAD系统难以真正地对这一过程提供支持。本文介绍了一种基于功能单元和功能特征的产品功能模型，它能够表达产品的功能结构和功能关系，并建立对零件形状特征的功能约束。功能建模系统同基于特征的产品建模系统相连接，能够实现自顶向下的产品设计。     

Knowledge-based approach and system for assembly-oriented design,Part II: the system implementation

Assembly is one of the most important stages for product development. Assembly-oriented design (AOD) is a new approach to designing assemblies, which uses a number of design and analysis tools to help the designer plan out and analyze candidate assembly schemes prior to having detailed knowledge of the geometry of the parts. Using this approach, many assembly schemes can be inexpensively evaluated for their ability to deliver the important characteristics of the final product. This research proposes a knowledge-based approach and develops an expert design system to support top-down design for assembled products. The presentation of research report is divided into two parts: the knowledge-based approach (Part I) and the knowledge-based expert design system (Part II). This paper is the second part of the report (Part II). It will focus on the development of knowledge-based expert design system for assembly oriented design. The knowledge-based assembly oriented design system, i.e., the assembly oriented design expert system (AODES) is constructed to integrate assembly modeling and design, assembly planning, assemblability analysis and evaluation within a concurrent engineering environment. This intelligent system is implemented by integrating object-oriented representation, constraint-based modeling, rule-based reasoning, truth maintenance, and interfacing to database management system and CAD module, in which fuzzy logic based knowledge representation and inference technique are also applied to deal with uncertain data and knowledge in the design process. The developed system differs from the existing systems adopting part-first bottom-up modeling technique, in which a comprehensive intelligent framework is used for assembly modeling and design in a top-down manner from the conceptual level to the detailed level. It is able to help obtain better design ideas, provide users with suggestions so as to create and improve a design, and therefore give users the possibility to assess and reduce the total production cost at an early stage during the design process. Through the use of the system, the concurrent engineering knowledge can be effectively incorporated into the assembly design process in an integrated manner. A case assembly design shows that the intelligent modeling and design system is feasible.     

公理化设计与DFA集成的产品信息模型

在公理化设计理论的基础上，讨论了产品设计过程中功能要求的分解以及从功能域向结构域的曲折映射过程；建立了产品功能一结构层次模型和面向装配设计的产品信息模型．该产品信息模型不仅能够描述产品的层次结构信息，而且能够描述零部件之间的装配关系信息，能够实现CAD／CAE／CAPP/CAM的信息集成，为产品并行开发过程的信息集成打下良好的基础．以发动机减速器为例，对产品的功能树、结构树以及装配模型和装配关联矩阵的形成进行了说明。     

Knowledge-based approach and system for assembly oriented design,Part I: the approach

Assembly is one of the most important stages for product development. Assembly-oriented design (AOD) is a new approach to designing assemblies, which uses a number of design and analysis tools to help the designer plan out and analyze candidate assembly schemes prior to having detailed knowledge of the geometry of the parts. Using this approach, many assembly schemes can be inexpensively evaluated for their ability to deliver the important characteristics of the final product. This research proposes a knowledge-based approach and develops an expert design system to support top-down design for assembled products. The presentation of research report is divided into two parts: the knowledge-based approach (Part I) and the knowledge-based expert design system (Part II). This paper is the first part of the report (Part I), which mainly proposes a knowledge-based approach and framework for intelligent assembly oriented design. The proposed approach focuses on the integration of product design, assemblability analysis and evaluation, and design for assembly with economical analysis. It differs from the existing approaches adopting the part-first bottom-up modeling technique, in which a hybrid model related to design problem-solving including function–behavior–structure model, feature-based geometric model, and parametric constraint model is used as a comprehensive intelligent framework for assembly modeling and design in a top-down manner from the conceptual level to the detailed level. Through the use of intelligent approach and framework, concurrent engineering knowledge can be effectively incorporated into the assembly design process, and a knowledge-based expert design system can be implemented.     

An approach to identify design and manufacturing features from a data exchanged part model

Due to the large variety of CAD systems in the market, data exchange between different CAD systems is indispensable. Currently, data exchange standards such as STEP and IGES, etc. provide a unique approach for interfacing among different CAD platforms. Once the feature-based CAD model created in one CAD system is input into another via data exchange standards, many of the original features and the feature-related information may not exist any longer. The identification of the design features and their further decomposition into machining features for the downstream activities from a data exchanged part model is a bottleneck in integrated product and process design and development. In this paper, the feature panorama is succinctly articulated from the viewpoint of product design and manufacturing. To facilitate feature identification and extraction, a multiple-level feature taxonomy and hierarchy is proposed based on the characteristics of part geometry and topology entities. The relationships between the features and their geometric entities are established. A litany of algorithms for the identification of design and machining features are proposed. Besides, how to recognize the intersecting features or compound features based on the featureless chunks of geometry entities is critical and the issue is addressed in the paper. A multi-level compound feature representation and recognition approach are presented. Finally, case studies are used to illustrate the validity of the approach and algorithms proposed for the identification of the features from CAD part models in neutral format.     

A product modeling system for top-down design of machine assembly with kinematic motion

The objective of this research is to develop a product modeling system to support mechanism design from the beginning of the design. The system must cope with two aspects of the design process which are top-down design and preliminary design. The current capabilities of existing CAD and CAE systems are not sufficient to support these two aspects. In this research a modeling method with an abstract model and an incompletely defined model is proposed. The mechanism is presented by constraints and depault values because constraints are suitable for representing the abstract model for a mechanism and default values are useful to supplement an incompletely defined model. We also introduce module-based modeling with mechanism modules corresponding directly to the functionalities of the mechanism and show that it is suitable for top-down design. Incomplete constraints are solved with default values so that the shape and location of the incompletely defined model can be modified and the motion of the model can be simulated. Finally, we illustrate the mechanism modeling system with some examples.     

A PDES/STEP-based model and system for concurrent integrated design and assembly planning

Product data exchange and interfacing between different CAD/CAM systems are of great importance to the development of concurrent integrated design environments and computer integrated manufacturing systems. This paper presents a STEP-based method and system for concurrent integrated design and assembly planning. An integrated object model for mechanical systems and assemblies is first defined by a hierarchy of structure, geometry and feature. The structure is represented as a component-connector or joint multi-level graph with both hierarchical functional and assembly relations. These hierarchical relation models are then used for uniformly describing their causal relations both for assembly level and feature based single part level. The generic product assembly model is organized according to STEP, using mostly the entities of integrated resources and partly self-defined entities, which are necessary for design and assembly planning. Based on the generic product assembly model, STEP-based strategies and agent concepts are used for agent-based concurrent integration of design and assembly planning. A prototype system, consisting of a CAD system, a product modeling system, an assembly planning system, and an assembly evaluation system is developed, in which product data can be exchanged between these subsystems. Details about the implementation of the system are addressed. The integrated design and assembly planning system can support the introduction of a new product. The results of assembly planning are feedback to the stage of assembly design to improve on the design. A case study is carried out for assembly-oriented design of a gearbox, to illustrate the proposed approach and to validate the developed system.     

Digital twin-based smart assembly process design and application framework for complex products and its case study

With rapid advances in new generation information technologies, digital twin (DT), and cyber-physical system, smart assembly has become a core focus for intelligent manufacturing in the fourth industrial evolution. Deep integration between information and physical worlds is a key phase to develop smart assembly process design that bridge the gap between product assembly design and manufacturing. This paper presents a digital twin reference model for smart assembly process design, and proposes an application framework for DT-based smart assembly with three layers. Product assembly station components are detailed in the physical space layer; two main modules, communication connection and data processing, are introduced in the interaction layer; and we discuss working mechanisms of assembly process planning, simulation, predication, and control management in the virtual space layer in detail. A case study shows the proposed approach application for an experimental simplified satellite assembly case using the DT-based assembly application system (DT-AAS) to verify the proposed application framework and method effectiveness.     

A feasible approach to the integration of CAD and CAPP

Although current CAD systems are declared to be feature-based, in fact, the so-called feature is just a modeling macro or menu name such as Protrusion, Revolution, Cutout, Block, etc., instead of a design feature or manufacturing feature in accordance with engineering practice. Consequently, product model data insufficiency and incompatibility between varieties of application systems are still the major barriers to system integration, especially the integration of design and process planning. This paper proposes a practical solution for a bi-directional integration of CAD and CAPP on the platform of commercial CAD systems. The key techniques such as feature recognition and conversion, feature parameter and constraint extraction, feature tree reconstruction, technical information processing, process planning, automatic process drawing marking and 3D material stock CAD model generating are discussed. And the extracted features and their related technical information and knowledge are encapsulated together with the geometry-oriented CAD model to form an integrated product information model to facilitate effective integration with the downstream activities. The integrated CAD/CAPP system is implemented on a commercial CAD package, UGS/SolidEdge. A case study and industry implementation illustrate the feasibility of the approach proposed.     

基于虚拟原型的机械多体系统建模可视化

针对虚拟样机意义下的机械多体系统性能分析,提出一种直接从产品虚拟原型中的零件设计模型和装配模型获取多体系统物理性能属性和空间拓扑结构的理论和方法.将设计模型按照多体系统空间拓扑结构描述,直接映射为抽象的可视模型,并以此向求解模型过渡,从而最终获得对多体系统运动学和动力学的求解,使虚拟样机过程能在短时间内得以成功实施,达到整机动态性能分析的目的,获得满意的结果.最后,通过一个典型的机车车辆模型验证了文中方法的可行性.     

基于约束规则的产品结构自组织

针对传统CAD技术在产品系列化设计建模、新旧产品零部件结构之间的遗传继承或特征基因复制、人类专家设计经验知识的保存利用等方面相对较弱的问题，参照生物系统进化和基因遗传编码机理，提出产品信息基元的概念，探讨基于约束规则的产品结构自组织原理和方法，并对规则的表达和产品结构自组织算法进行详细论述．