A CAD-based approach to the design of fixtures for prismatic parts

Author(s):  
Y C Jeng ◽  
K F Gill

The design scheme presented utilizes the knowledge representation and inference techniques from artificial intelligence and the geometric modelling technique for modular fixture design on a CAD (computer aided design) system. The fixture design problem is formulated in a hierarchical design structure. A systematic approach for selecting the locating and clamping positions on an automatically generated fixture configuration is outlined for the building of modular fixtures. Modular fixture elements are selected by considering the required function and geometric limitation. The generated fixture layout is then represented in the CAD system. To demonstrate the proposed approach, a prototype AutoCAFD (automatic computer aided fixture design) system is introduced and a practical example is presented.

Author(s):  
B Surendra Babu ◽  
P Madar Valli ◽  
A V V Anil Kumar ◽  
D N Rao

Fixturing is the most commonly used manufacturing constraint in setup planning. The computer-aided fixture design technique is being rapidly developed to reduce the lead-time involved in manufacturing planning. An automated fixture configuration design system has been developed to select modular fixture components automatically and place them in position with satisfactory assembly relationships. In this paper, an automated fixture generation system for prismatic components is presented. Sequential steps for automatic fixture layout planning for machining setups, focusing on determining the most suitable locating and clamping positions in accordance with the 3-2-1 configuration, considering geometrical and dimensional constraints are presented. A software has been developed which takes two-dimensional-manufacturing drawings of the prismatic components as input and generates fixture design automatically. The modularity concept is incorporated in the developed software application and enables locating positions to be as wide apart as possible. The clamping positions are obtained directly opposite to the respective locators as far as possible. The software is tested successfully with numerous examples of prismatic parts involving similar design characteristics.


Author(s):  
J R Dai ◽  
A Y C Nee ◽  
J Y H Fuh ◽  
A Senthil Kumar

In the development of a modular fixture design system, it is essential to have a modular fixture element database that can be integrated with a CAD system, in addition to the other considerations such as fixture configuration, interference checking, etc., which are also important to fixture designers. This paper describes a new method to create the fixture element database and model the fixturing towers (i.e. subassemblies). By using this method, the database can be effectively created and is easy for use in fixture assembly. The modular fixture tower database is used to represent the subassembly of fixtures. This will simplify the fixture design and assembly process. A built-in interference checking methodology is embedded in the planning stage that will ensure a collision-free fixture design. The system is developed using the knowledge- based system, ICAD, and interfacing with UG-II for modelling the workpiece. Examples of fixture design generated by the system are also provided to illustrate the development.


Author(s):  
Chi-Cheng Chu ◽  
Rajit Gadh

In this paper, a series of interface tests on interaction approach for the generation of geometric shape designs via multi-sensory user interface of a Virtual Reality (VR) based System is presented. The goal of these interface tests is to identify an effective user interface for VR based Computer-Aided Design (CAD) system. The intuitiveness of the VR based interaction approach arises from the use of natural hand movements/gestures, and voice commands that emulate the way in which human beings discuss geometric shapes in reality. The focus of this paper is on determining a set of effective interaction approaches by using the combinations of auditory, tactile, and visual sensory modalities to accomplish typical CAD tasks. In order to evaluate the proposed interaction approach, a prototypical VR-CAD system is implemented. A series of interface tests were performed on the prototypical systems to determine the relative efficiency of a set of potential interaction approach with respect to specific fundamental design tasks. The interface test and its results are presented in this paper.


2002 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi-Cheng Chu ◽  
Jianzhong Mo ◽  
Rajit Gadh

In this paper, a series of interface tests on interaction approach for the generation of geometric shape designs via multi-sensory user interface of a Virtual Reality (VR) based System is presented. The goal of these interface tests is to identify an effective user interface for VR based Computer-Aided Design (CAD) system. The intuitiveness of the VR based interaction approach arises from the use of natural hand movements/gestures, and voice commands that emulate the way in which human beings discuss geometric shapes in reality. In order to evaluate the proposed interaction approach, a prototypical VR-CAD system is implemented. A series of interface tests were performed on the prototypical systems to determine the relative efficiency of a set of potential interaction approach with respect to specific fundamental design tasks. The interface test and its results are presented in this paper.


2011 ◽  
Vol 338 ◽  
pp. 339-342
Author(s):  
Jing Jing Huang ◽  
Jian Xia Li

The rolling bearing is a kind of common standard parts. The developing method of CAD system of the rolling bearing based on Solid Edge which is used VB as the developing tool is introduced in this paper. This system can realize the design and check of the rolling bearing automatically, realize the integration of the design and drawing, and improve the design quality and efficiency.


1991 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Lord ◽  
J. Foulston

A trial has been conducted to produce the uppers for orthopaedic shoes using an existing commercial computer-aided design system. The aims of the trial were to confirm that a CAD system developed for the volume shoe trade (Shoemaster from Clarks Shoes) could be used for the upper design of orthopaedic shoes and to assess the contribution of professional shoe design on cosmesis and acceptability of these shoes. A small number of adult diabetic patients and children with foot deformities were selected, all of who had previously been prescribed and issued with special shoes. The existing lasts for these patients were digitised, and new styles developed on the CAD system over a 3D image of the last. Pattern pieces were cut automatically and the uppers closed. Lasting was done as normal at the two collaborating orthopaedic companies and the shoes supplied to the patients. The CAD system proved successful in coping with orthopaedic last shapes and shoe requirements. Professional design produced fashionable and cosmetically-pleasing styles within the constraints imposed by the underlying medical conditions.


Author(s):  
J Y H Fuh ◽  
S H Wu ◽  
K S Lee

The die casting industry has an imperative need for an automated or semi-automated approach for die casting die design. One of the key challenges that die makers face is how to shorten the lead-time to the market and reduce the cost in die design and manufacturing. Most die makers have employed computer aided design (CAD) systems to improve the efficiency and quality of die design. However, conventional CAD systems do not have the functionality specially for the die casting die design, therefore, a specific computer aided system for die casting die design is needed to meet the market demand. This paper describes a prototype system structured by several functional modules as specific add-on applications on a commercial CAD system for die casting die design. These modules include data initialization, cavity layout, gating system design, die-base, parting, standard component design, etc. Focus of the development will be placed on gating, runner and die-base design.


Author(s):  
W. Ma ◽  
Z. Lei ◽  
Y. Rong

Abstract This paper presents a computer-aided modular fixture design system: FIX-DES. When fixturing requirements are specified as locating/clamping surfaces and points, a fixture configuration will be automatically generated by (1) selecting fixture elements from a fixture element database to form fixture units based on fixture element assembly relationships and (2) placing the fixture units and elements into position on a baseplate while the fixturing requirements and assembly relationships (e.g., hole alignment) are maintained. The fixture element assembly relationships can be automatically established when the geometric models and fixturing functions of the fixture elements are specified so that the FIX-DES system can be easily applied to different fixture systems. The system also provides the interactive design and design modification functions for human expert involvement. The system was developed with core programs in C/C++ and interface programs in a specific CAD environment. The system has been successfully applied in industry and can be easily transferred to other CAD systems. The overall structure of the FIX-DES system is introduced in the paper. The development of the automated fixture configuration design (AFCD) functions are presented in detail. Finally a fixture configura-tion design example is given to illustrate the application of the system.


2018 ◽  
pp. 145-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. L. Olenev ◽  
I. Ya. Lavrovskaya ◽  
L. I. Kurbanov ◽  
I. L. Korobkov ◽  
Yu. E. Sheynin

Modern spacecraft onboard networks consist of a large number of nodes which interact with each other via a communication network. SpaceWire is a new generation technology which is being integrated into new spacecraft systems. In order to check network operation on the early stages of network design it is reasonable to perform its software simulation. The paper provides an analysis of existing simulation tools for the on-board and local area networks. We overview the main abilities of the existing software and then propose the computer-aided design (CAD) system for SpaceWire onboard networks design and simulation - SANDS. This software will solve important tasks, which spacecraft developers face with during implementation of satellites and other space vehicles. SANDS system will support the full on-board network design and simulation flow, which begins from the network topology automated generation and finishes with getting the network structure, configuration and parameters setting, simulation results and statistics.


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