No abstract

The paper describes a novel framework for an Assembly-Oriented Design (AOD) approach as a new functional part of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) strategy, by considering product design and assembly sequence planning phases concurrently. Integration issues of product lifecycle into the product development process have received much attention over the last two decades, especially at the detailed design stage. The main objective of the research is to define assembly sequence into preliminary design stages by introducing and applying assembly process knowledge in order to provide an assembly context for the product development process, particularly for product structuring. The proposed framework highlights a novel algorithm based on a mathematical model integrating boundary conditions related to DFA rules, engineering decisions for assembly sequence and the product structure definition. This framework has been implemented in a new system called PEGASUS considered as an AOD module for a PLM system. A case study of applying the framework to a Catalytic-Converter and Diesel Particulate Filter sub-system, belonging to an exhaust system from an industrial automotive supplier, is introduced to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed AOD methodology. The work described has not been submitted elsewhere for publication, in whole or in part, and all the authors listed have approved the manuscript that is enclosed. Cover Letter *Cover LetterAn Assembly-Oriented Design Framework for Product Structure Engineering and Assembly Sequence Planning _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract:The paper describes a novel framework for an Assembly-Oriented Design (AOD) approach as a new functional part of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) strategy, by considering product design and assembly sequence planning phases concurrently. Integration issues of product lifecycle into the product development process have received much attention over the last two decades, especially at the detailed design stage. The main objective of the research is to define assembly sequence into preliminary design stages by introducing and applying assembly process knowledge in order to provide an assembly context for the product development process, particularly for product structuring. The proposed framework highlights a novel algorithm based on a mathematical model integrating boundary conditions related to DFA rules, engineering decisions for assembly sequence and the product structure definition. This framework has been implemented in a new system called PEGASUS considered as an AOD module for a PLM system. A case study of applying the framework to a Catalytic-Converter and Diesel Particulate Filter sub-system, belonging to an exhaust system from an industrial automotive supplier, is introduced to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed AOD methodology.

No abstract

No abstract

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is a strategic product-centric, lifecycle-oriented and information-driven business approach that strives to integrate people and their inherent practices, processes, and technologies, both within and across functional areas of the extended enterprise from inception to disposal. The integration of people relies on the harmonisation of domain-specific glossaries by standardising a universal PLM vocabulary. So far, unfortunately, there is no PLM standard vocabulary. Therefore, the tremendous amount of knowledge that is continually brought forward by academic research studies, industrial practices and computer-aided applications causes semantic ambiguities. This paper consists of an illustrated glossary and a conceptual map. The glossary identifies, discusses, clarifies and illustrates ambiguous terms used in discrete

No abstract

With the advancements of 3D modeling software, the use of 3D CAD in mechanical product design has become a standard practice. Methods and tools are continually being developed to improve designers' efficiency in the creation, modification and analysis of 3D CAD models. Among other advantages, comparing 3D CAD models to assess their relative shape similarity or to identify their differences leads to benefits in various CAD-and PLM-related areas such as design reuse, engineering change management and data exchange. As 3D data continues to be more frequently and intensively shared and used in the mechanical product development process (PDP), this paper describes the subject of 3D CAD model comparison from three related points of view. First, it organizes the wide variety of use cases for 3D CAD model comparison into specific application domains. Difference calculation methods and approaches are compared, identifying their key characteristics and limitations. Then, it presents an inventory of commercially available software tools that perform 3D CAD model difference identification (MDI). Finally, some research perspectives for 3D CAD model comparison applied to shape change transposition are contemplated.

The 3D analysis of tolerances is one of the critical functional requirements of solid-modelling systems which is most lacking at the present time. 3D tolerance analysis is most difficult to carry out by hand when it involves geometrical tolerances. A computerized 3D tolerance analysis is therefore needed, and an appropriate tolerancing model must be devised. The paper first acknowledges the kinematic nature of tolerance-chain analysis. A kinematic formulation of full 3D dimensional and geometrical tolerances is then proposed. The scheme represents all tolerances within a kinematic model, which is compatible with existing standards such as ANSI YI4.SM. The semantics of tolerances is respected, as tolerances are automatically interpreted to yield tolerance zones and datum reference frames. A tolerance chain is modelled as a kinematic chain, thus enabling multiple tolerances to be manipulated to solve 3D tolerance-chain analysis problems. The implementation of the modelling concept on an exact solid modeller is described. An application of the tolerancing model to the visualization of tolerance zones is also shown.