A fastener automatic assembly method and system based on UG secondary development

Abstract

This invention proposes an automatic fastener assembly method and system based on UG secondary development, comprising: a construction step: creating a 3D model library of national standard fasteners containing national standard code attributes, and generating a configuration file associated with the model library that conforms to the UG reuse library calling specification; an integration step: deploying the national standard fastener 3D model library and the configuration file to the reuse library directory structure of the UG software, and modifying the UG software's library configuration file to enable the UG software to recognize and call the national standard fastener 3D model library; and an automatic assembly step: in the UG software environment, responding to assembly commands, automatically matching the corresponding national standard fastener model from the integrated national standard fastener 3D model library based on the specification parameters of the holes to be assembled, and driving the UG software to complete the assembly. This invention, by deeply integrating the national standard fastener library into the UG reuse library, allows engineers to directly call models with national standard codes and complete automatic assembly with one click, completely eliminating errors from manual querying and selection, and significantly improving assembly efficiency and design data accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of computer-aided technology, and more particularly to a fastener assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] UG, as a mainstream 3D computer-aided design software, has built-in fastener assembly tools that can effectively improve assembly efficiency. However, in practical engineering applications, this tool has the following obvious shortcomings:

[0003] 1. The UG reuse library suffers from a severe shortage of national standard (GB) fastener models: While the UG reuse library includes some national standard (GB) fastener models, the fastener assembly library has a limited variety of GB standard parts, offering few selectable fastener assembly configurations. Furthermore, these are not named according to national standard codes, falling far short of meeting the actual needs of domestic mechanical design for diverse GB standard fasteners. Additionally, UG's fastener assembly tools possess advanced functions such as automatic hole matching and configuration combinations, but these functions can only access its built-in standard parts library. Although engineers can manually insert individual GB standard models from the reuse library, they cannot utilize fastener assembly plugins to achieve batch, automated assembly operations, resulting in low assembly efficiency.

[0004] 2. The assembly process is cumbersome and error-prone: When using national standard fasteners, engineers need to manually call up each standard part from the national standard parts library one by one before assembling, or create their own models. This process involves many steps, is time-consuming, and is prone to errors in model selection and parameter entry, leading to assembly errors and inaccurate Bill of Materials (BOM) information.

[0005] 3. Inability to achieve rapid automatic configuration: The fastener assembly tool that comes with UG cannot recognize and utilize the key identifier of the national standard code. Therefore, it cannot automatically match and assemble a complete national standard fastener combination (such as bolt-washer-nut combination) according to the hole specifications, resulting in a low degree of automation.

[0006] Therefore, existing technologies lack a dedicated system that can be deeply integrated into the UG environment, directly support national standard fasteners, and achieve rapid, accurate, and automatic assembly.

[0007] Chinese invention patent CN119249631A, published on January 3, 2025, discloses a method for rapid assembly of fastener models based on automatic model analysis, including: 1) opening the fastener model automatic assembly tool; 2) selecting the fastener object model and automatically analyzing the fastener category, specifications, hole positions, and assembly elements in the fastener object model; 3) obtaining the corresponding fastener 3D model from the fastener model library; 4) automatically identifying the fastener execution standard, diameter specification, and length specification according to the fastener model name, and automatically identifying the assembly elements of the fastener model; 5) setting the assembly direction of the fastener model; 6) automatically assembling all fastener models in the fastener object model with one click. However, the invention application still has obvious limitations in practical applications: First, the solution is not deeply integrated with the native assembly ecosystem of mainstream commercial CAD software such as UG, and the operation process is independent and fragmented, failing to meet the user's core demand of "seamlessly completing the work in a single design environment"; Second, its fastener library mainly serves specific industry standards and does not systematically solve the problems of integration, identification and automatic calling of Chinese national standard (GB) fasteners in mainstream design platforms, resulting in insufficient adaptability to a wide range of mechanical design fields. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes an automatic fastener assembly method and system based on UG secondary development. This method solves the problems of missing national standards for fastener assembly tools and insufficient automation in existing fastener assembly methods. By deeply integrating the national standard (GB) fastener library into the UG software's internal reuse library system, one-click, fast, and accurate assembly of national standard fasteners is achieved within this design environment.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0010] An automatic fastener assembly method based on UG secondary development includes:

[0011] Construction steps: Create a 3D model library of national standard fasteners containing national standard code attributes, and generate a configuration file associated with the model library that conforms to the UG reuse library calling specification; Integration steps: Deploy the national standard fastener 3D model library and the configuration file to the reuse library directory structure of the UG software, and modify the library configuration file of the UG software so that the UG software can recognize and call the national standard fastener 3D model library; Automatic assembly steps: In the UG software environment, in response to assembly instructions, based on the specification parameters of the holes to be assembled, automatically match the corresponding national standard fastener model from the integrated national standard fastener 3D model library, and drive the UG software to complete the assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the configuration file defines the national standard attributes, geometric matching parameters, and path mapping relationships between the fastener and the 3D model file using Extensible Markup Language tags.

[0013] Furthermore, the geometric matching parameters include at least diameter specifications for matching aperture and length specifications for matching length.

[0014] Furthermore, in the integration step, the modification of the UG software library configuration file includes: adding or modifying configuration items to point to the storage path of the generated configuration file.

[0015] Furthermore, in the automatic assembly step, the matching process includes: reading the diameter information of the hole to be assembled, and selecting a list of fastener models with matching diameters from the national standard fastener 3D model library based on the diameter specification parameters in the configuration file.

[0016] Furthermore, the matching process also includes: automatically determining the length of the required fastener combination based on the assembly relationship, and selecting a fastener model with a matching length from the filtered list according to the length specification parameters in the configuration file.

[0017] Furthermore, the automatic fastener assembly method also includes a configuration definition step: based on the national standard fastener 3D model library, a variety of fastener assembly configuration schemes with Chinese names are predefined and stored in the fastener assembly tool of UG software, wherein the scheme specifies the combination relationship of bolts, nuts and washers.

[0018] An automatic fastener assembly system based on UG secondary development includes: a national standard library construction module for creating and managing a national standard fastener 3D model library containing national standard code attributes and its associated configuration files; an integrated configuration module for deploying the model library and configuration files to the UG software environment and configuring the UG software to recognize and call the model library; and an automatic assembly engine module for responding to commands in the UG software, automatically matching and calling fastener models in the model library according to the parameters of the holes to be assembled to complete the assembly.

[0019] Furthermore, the integrated configuration module integrates the national standard library by modifying the index configuration file of the UG reuse library.

[0020] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the described fastener automatic assembly methods.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0022] 1. This invention, through its built-in structured national standard database, enables engineers to directly call fasteners with accurate national standard codes within the UG software, eliminating selection errors at the source, ensuring consistency between design data and production data, and significantly improving the accuracy of bill of materials generation.

[0023] 2. The system of this invention is seamlessly integrated with the native UG assembly tool through configuration files, which simplifies the assembly process that previously required multiple steps into a one-click operation of "selecting hole features - clicking to assemble", reducing a lot of repetitive manual work and improving assembly efficiency by more than 70%.

[0024] 3. This invention lowers the learning and usage threshold: The system provides Chinese names and predefined definitions for commonly used assembly configurations, which are intuitive and easy to understand. Engineers do not need to memorize complex national standard codes and specification comparisons, thus lowering the software usage threshold and improving the design experience;

[0025] 4. This invention utilizes the reusable library and assembly tool interface of UG software for secondary development, and implements functions in the form of system modules. Users do not need to install and manage third-party plugins, and the operation is stable and maintenance is convenient.

[0026] 5. The national standard parts database and configuration file of the system of this invention adopt a modular design, which can easily add new national standard parts types or enterprise-defined standard parts as needed, thus expanding the scope of application of UG software in standardized design. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the steps in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 The national standard parts type of this invention Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 3 This invention relates to the national standard parts type. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a rendering of the standard hexagonal bolt reusable parts library of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 Reusable library fastener file diagram of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 Assembly property diagram of the mounting components of this invention;

[0034] Figure 7 Assembly diagram of the fastener configuration of this invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the selection of bolt and screw types according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a selection diagram of the bolt components of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a selection diagram of the screw components of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the selection of nut and washer types according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a selection diagram of the nut component of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 13 This is a selection diagram of the gasket component of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration and effect of the national standard hexagonal screw for this invention.

[0042] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the steps in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] The automatic fastener assembly method based on UG secondary development described in Embodiment 1 of this invention has the following overall process: Figure 1 As shown, the specific steps include:

[0045] Step S101: Create or open any UG model.

[0046] Users launch Siemens NX software to create a new assembly file or open an existing product assembly model. This model contains at least one mating structure requiring fasteners and the corresponding open or threaded hole features. This step provides the user with a 3D design environment for subsequent assembly operations.

[0047] Step S102: Customize fastener assembly function and establish national standard parts types.

[0048] Using the fastener assembly tools built into UG software and its secondary development interfaces, such as the NX Open API, a fastener category system conforming to Chinese national standards was created. In the tool configuration interface, two main categories, "Bolts and Screws" and "Nuts and Washers," were created and defined.

[0049] 1. Under the main category of "Bolts and Screws", it is further subdivided into thirteen subtypes according to the national standard, including Hex Head, Cup Head, Socket Head, Pan Head, Countersunk Head, Cheese Head, Capstan, Square Head, EyeBolt, Knurled Head, Set Screw, Misc, and Stud.

[0050] 2. Under the main category "Nuts and Washers," there are seven sub-types, specifically including Hex nuts, Acorn nuts, Knurled nuts, Square nuts, Lock washers, Plain washers, and Others (Misc). Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this step constructs a logical classification tree for national standard fasteners, providing a framework for the subsequent integration of physical models.

[0051] Step S103: Embed the national standard part model and attribute file in the reuse library.

[0052] Create a complete library of three-dimensional parametric models of national standard fasteners corresponding to the categories in step S102. For each specific national standard part, such as "GB / T 5782-2000 Hexagonal Head Bolt M12×50", perform the following operations:

[0053] 1. Use UG modeling functions to create an accurate 3D solid model, which has driving dimensions, such as thread diameter d and nominal length L;

[0054] 2. Add key attributes to the model, including at least "Standard", "GB_Code", "Name", and "Spec". For example, assign a value to the GB_Code attribute: GB_Code = "GB / T 5782-2000";

[0055] 3. Generate a preview thumbnail of the model;

[0056] 4. Save the model files according to the preset directory structure, for example, save them to the path "...\Reuse Library\Fastener\GB\Bolt\Hex Head\";

[0057] 5. Create and edit the corresponding attribute configuration file according to the requirements of the UG reuse library. In this embodiment, the configuration file is in XML format. Figure 4 The example demonstrates the file organization structure and preview of the national standard hexagonal bolt standard parts library integrated in the reuse library.

[0058] Step S104: Reprogram the reuse library configuration file to associate it with national standard parts. This step is the core of the integration work. The UG reuse library identifies and manages available standard parts through a central configuration file. This file needs to be parsed and modified in the programming:

[0059] 1. Parsing Structure: This XML configuration file defines the fastener categories ( <fastener category="...">Standard (Standard="GB"), Type (Type="Hex Head"), and each specific part ( <part>The path and matching rules of ().

[0060] 2. Programming Modification: Automatically write the national standard part information created in step S103 into this configuration file by writing scripts or using the NX Open API. Key modifications include:

[0061] (1) In the corresponding <fastener>Under the node, add for each national standard part <part>entry;

[0062] (2) In the parts <part>In the entry, set the LENGTHMATCH and SizeMatch attributes to specify the matching rules for length and diameter, respectively, for example, LENGTHMATCH="LENGTH" and SizeMatch="DIAMETER".

[0063] (3) In the parts <part>Within the tag body, write the precise relative path to the 3D model file of the national standard, for example, "GB\Bolt\Hex Head\Bolt,GB-T5782-2000.prt".

[0064] 3. Achieving Association: Through the above programming, the logical classification (step S102), the physical model (step S103), and the UG reuse library calling mechanism are deeply bound together. When the user selects the "GB-Hexagon Head" type in the fastener assembly tool, the system will read this configuration file and dynamically load the corresponding model list with the national standard code attribute.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the UG reuse library manages the index and attributes of all standard parts through a central configuration file (such as faster_library.xml). This method modifies this file programmatically, adding entries and matching rules for national standard parts.

[0066] Step S105: Set fastener assembly attributes and automatic matching rules.

[0067] In the UG fastener assembly tool, the assembly logic is preset:

[0068] Automatic identification: When the coaxial hole finding function is enabled, the tool can automatically identify multiple coaxial holes in the assembly;

[0069] Geometric Matching: The system automatically calculates the required total length of the fastener based on the starting and ending faces. When the user changes the fastener size or adds or removes a stack of shims, the options to update the stack and adjust the fastener length are enabled to automatically adapt the length.

[0070] Intelligent association: Check the "Automatically create constraints" option to ensure that concentricity, fit, and other assembly constraints are automatically added between the fastener and the hole after it is installed;

[0071] Parameter settings: Set process parameters such as minimum thread extension length;

[0072] Key matching logic: The system's built-in matching algorithm automatically compares the reading of the mounting hole diameter with the diameter specification attribute of the part entry in the configuration file, and filters out a list of fastener models that match the diameter series.

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown, in the settings interface of the UG fastener assembly tool, functions such as finding coaxial holes, automatically calculating lengths based on the starting and ending faces, and automatically creating constraints are enabled, providing a basis for automatic matching.

[0074] Step S106: Configure and call the fastener assembly scheme with Chinese names.

[0075] Users can directly select predefined national standard assembly configuration schemes in the assembly interface. These schemes are identified by Chinese names, such as "National Standard - Hexagonal Bolt Configuration", which is intuitive and easy to use.

[0076] Solution content: Each solution defines a complete fastener combination. For example, "National Standard - Hex Bolt Configuration" corresponds to the combination of "GB / T 5783 Bolt, GB 93 Washer, GB / T 848 Washer, GB / T 6170 Nut".

[0077] Flexible selection: Users can double-click on components in the configuration and, in the pop-up standard parts selection window, visually select specific bolt, screw, nut, or washer models from the integrated national standard library, and can increase or decrease the quantity as needed. All optional parts directly display the national standard code.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, users can directly select predefined national standard assembly configuration schemes in the assembly interface, such as "National Standard - Hexagonal Bolt Configuration". This scheme is named in Chinese and is intuitive and easy to use.

[0079] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, users can double-click on the component in the configuration and visually select the specific bolt or screw model from the integrated national standard library in the pop-up standard parts selection window.

[0080] Similarly, such as Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, users can select the model of the nut and washer respectively, and all optional parts directly display the national standard code.

[0081] Step S107: Perform one-click automatic assembly. After the user confirms the assembly configuration, they click the assembly button. The system performs the following automated operations:

[0082] 1. Traverse all hole features in the assembly that meet the conditions;

[0083] 2. For each hole, based on its diameter and depth, and in accordance with the rules set in step S105, automatically match the national standard fastener model with the most suitable diameter and length from the assembly scheme selected in step S106;

[0084] 3. Automatically retrieve the corresponding 3D model from the reuse library;

[0085] 4. According to the constraint rules set in step S105, the fastener model is automatically and accurately installed into the hole, and complete assembly constraints are generated;

[0086] 5. In the assembly navigator and model list, fastener entries with correct national standard codes, names, and specifications are automatically generated.

[0087] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 The images show the results after the "GB Standard - Hex Bolt Configuration" and "GB Standard - Socket Head Screw Configuration" have been invoked and automatically assembled. All fasteners are correctly installed, and the accurate GB Standard codes are displayed in the model tree.

[0088] Example 2 provides an automated assembly system for national standard fasteners based on secondary development of UG, used to implement the method described in Example 1. This system is integrated into the UG environment as a software module and includes:

[0089] The national standard library construction and management module is responsible for executing steps S102 and S103, and provides a graphical interface for users to define categories, import or generate 3D models and attribute files.

[0090] Configuration Programming and Integration Module: Responsible for executing step S104, including configuration file parser and writer, to achieve seamless integration of national standard library and UG reuse library;

[0091] The intelligent assembly engine module is responsible for executing steps S105, S106, and S107. It encapsulates attribute settings, scheme configuration, geometric matching algorithms, and automatic assembly constraint generation logic, and provides a user interface.

[0092] Example 3: This example provides a computer-readable storage medium, such as a hard disk, USB flash drive, or server storage space, on which a computer program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor, it can drive the UG software to perform all or part of the functions described in steps S101 to S107 of Example 1.

[0093] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions of some or all of the technical features thereof, within the spirit and principles of the present invention, do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.< / part> < / part> < / part> < / fastener> < / part> < / fastener>

Claims

1. An automatic fastener assembly method based on UG secondary development, characterized in that, include: Construction steps: Create a 3D model library of national standard fasteners containing national standard code attributes, and generate a configuration file associated with the model library that conforms to the UG reuse library calling specification; Integration steps: Deploy the national standard fastener 3D model library and the configuration file to the reuse library directory structure of UG software. By modifying the library configuration file of UG software, UG software can recognize and call the national standard fastener 3D model library. Automatic assembly steps: In the UG software environment, in response to the assembly command, based on the specification parameters of the hole to be assembled, the corresponding national standard fastener model is automatically matched from the integrated national standard fastener 3D model library, and the UG software is driven to complete the assembly.

2. The automatic fastener assembly method based on UG secondary development according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration file defines the national standard attributes, geometric matching parameters, and path mapping relationships between the fasteners and the 3D model files using Extensible Markup Language tags.

3. The automatic fastener assembly method based on UG secondary development according to claim 2, characterized in that, The geometric matching parameters include at least diameter specifications for matching aperture and length specifications for matching length.

4. The automatic fastener assembly method based on UG secondary development according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the integration step, the modification of the UG software library configuration file includes: adding or modifying configuration items to point to the storage path of the generated configuration file.

5. The automatic fastener assembly method based on UG secondary development according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the automatic assembly step, the matching process includes: reading the diameter information of the hole to be assembled, and selecting a list of fastener models with matching diameters from the national standard fastener 3D model library based on the diameter specification parameters in the configuration file.

6. The automatic fastener assembly method based on UG secondary development according to claim 5, characterized in that, The matching process further includes: automatically determining the length of the required fastener combination based on the assembly relationship, and selecting a fastener model with a matching length from the filtered list according to the length specification parameters in the configuration file.

7. The automatic fastener assembly method based on UG secondary development according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6, characterized in that, The automatic fastener assembly method further includes a configuration definition step: based on the national standard fastener 3D model library, a variety of fastener assembly configuration schemes with Chinese names are predefined and stored in the fastener assembly tool of UG software. The schemes specify the combination relationship of bolts, nuts and washers.

8. An automatic fastener assembly system based on UG secondary development, characterized in that, include: The national standard library construction module is used to create and manage a library of three-dimensional models of national standard fasteners containing national standard code attributes and their associated configuration files; An integrated configuration module is used to deploy the model library and configuration files to the UG software environment and configure the UG software to recognize and call the model library. The automatic assembly engine module is used to respond to commands in UG software, automatically match and call fastener models from the model library according to the parameters of the holes to be assembled, and complete the assembly.

9. The automatic fastener assembly system based on UG secondary development according to claim 8, characterized in that, The integrated configuration module integrates the national standard library by modifying the index configuration file of the UG reuse library.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the automatic fastener assembly method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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