Concurrent engineering design tool and method

Abstract

A computer-based engineering design system to design a part, a tool to make the part, and the process to make the part. The design system has a processor and a memory. The memory stores feature templates, each feature template being a representation of a primitive object having a form and a function. Each feature template is indexed by the function of the primitive object and includes a representation of a primitive geometric entity having the form of the primitive object. Each feature template can include information relating to a tool to make the primitive object and a process to make the primitive object. The design system also includes an input device for receiving a request to design the part. This request includes one or more predetermined functions that the part performs. A core design module, executable by the processor, designs the part, the tool to make the part and process to make the part by accessing the plurality of feature templates in the memory to locate one or more primitive objects that perform the one or more predetermined functions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a computer system for automated concurrent engineering, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for the concurrent design of parts, tools and processes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConcurrent engineering aims to integrate product design and manufacturing cycles in a systematic way to facilitate the swift, cost-effective progression of new products from raw concept to end customer.Traditionally, when designing a new product, a team of designers usually participate in what is known as a product development cycle. In general terms, the first stage in designing a new product is that of concept design, in which overall needs and aims are addressed.Next is the initial design stage. The initial design stage comprises steps of designing the part, then choosing the materials and determining the process to make the part, then designing the tool to make the part. For example, if the part is to be a computer keyboard, first the s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The tool fabrication process planner module uses the frame-based representation of the present invention to produce instructions to people or machines for the creation or assembly of a tool. By using the form/function parts of the present invention to describe tool and its manufacture, time to market is reduced in the production of tools. It is the natural extension of the concurrent part design methodology whereby the tool and its fabrication process are handled concurrently.

The present invention can suggest alternatives in the design process. The present invention facilitates the selection of proper design approaches. For example, if the user requires a join, the present invention lists possible choices, e.g., screws, clips, nails, etc., and if given enough information, may suggest a preferred approach. Further, taking other design information into account, once the desired join is selected, the system can make further design suggestions. Thus, if the user selects a screw, the system can inform the user of a preferr

Problems solved by technology

Without good part design, subassemblies cannot be reliably designed, and

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