Assembly features in modelling and planning
PhD student - Winfried van Holland |
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Features have been introduced in modelling and planning for manufacturing of parts. In this project it has been shown that the feature concept is also useful in assembly modelling and planning.
For modelling and planning of both single parts and assemblies, an integrated object-oriented product model has been developed. For specific assembly-related information, assembly features are used. Handling features contain information for handling components, connection features information on connections between components.
A prototype modelling environment has been developed. A model can be manipulated using a geometric or a graph-oriented user interface. The model provides possibilities for component-driven and relation-driven modelling. In the first method, one starts with complete components, and by adding relations to them the final assembly is created. In the second method, one starts with relations, and from these the components can be created.
The product model has been successfully verified within several analysis and planning modules, in particular stability analysis, grip planning, motion planning and assembly sequence planning. Algorithms have been developed that exploit the information available in the features.
It has been shown that feature-based product models for assembly can considerably help in both assembly modelling and planning, on the one hand by integrating single-part and assembly modelling, and on the other hand by integrating modelling and planning.