Fast assembly and specification self-checking architecture of a fastener model and method thereof

Abstract

At present, most enterprises have established their own standard fastener database, but when assembling fastener models in three-dimensional software, the method of manual assembly one by one is still used, and there are repeated, inefficient and non-standard situations. The application provides a convenient, efficient and standardized fastener rapid assembly and specification self-checking architecture and method, which is established on the basis of the existing enterprise research and development data management system (PDM), and a database of fasteners including but not limited to screws, flat washers, elastic washers, nuts and sleeves is established, and users can call and assemble fasteners in the database one by one in three-dimensional design software.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of industrial design, specifically relating to a fastener model rapid assembly and specification self-checking architecture and method. Background Technology

[0002] Fasteners are mechanical parts used to connect two or more components. Common fasteners include screws, nuts, flat washers, spring washers, etc. They are widely used in energy, electronics, machinery, chemical and other industries. They are characterized by a wide variety of specifications and a high degree of standardization, serialization and generalization.

[0003] Currently, most companies have established their own standard fastener databases. However, when rapidly assembling fastener models in 3D software, they still use a manual assembly method, which is repetitive, inefficient, and non-standard. This is mainly reflected in the following aspects: (1) Fasteners of different materials, models, and specifications need to be searched and downloaded from the company's standard library one by one, which consumes a lot of time; (2) Complete sets of fasteners (screws, flat washers, spring washers, nuts, etc.) cannot be assembled in groups, resulting in a huge workload; (3) When assembling fasteners, manual matching identification is required, which can easily lead to problems such as mismatch in diameter and length, resulting in risks such as insufficient tightening and device breakdown, causing design changes and quality losses, and even affecting the overall performance of the machine. Taking a certain type of shipborne radar equipment as an example, the 3D model contains hundreds of models and specifications and hundreds of thousands of fasteners. The manual assembly method of fastener models greatly affects the overall development cycle of the radar.

[0004] Currently, there is no domestic research on rapid assembly and specification self-inspection of fastener models, and no method has been developed for rapid assembly and specification self-inspection of fastener 3D models. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the issues of repetitive, inefficient, and non-standard fastener models in current 3D structural modeling, this invention proposes a convenient, efficient, and standardized fastener rapid assembly and specification self-checking architecture and method. This is built upon an existing enterprise research and development data management system (PDM), establishing a database of fasteners including, but not limited to, screws, flat washers, spring washers, nuts, and threaded sleeves. Users can then individually call upon and assemble these fasteners from the database within 3D design software.

[0006] The present invention provides a fastener model rapid assembly and specification self-checking architecture, and constructs corresponding software tools suitable for assembling fastener models during structural 3D modeling. It mainly includes a fastener key information database, a modular installation module, and a matching self-checking module.

[0007] The fastener key information database is based on the existing PDM fastener database. It extracts the model name, material, model, specifications (diameter and length), and installation position information of each fastener and stores them in an XML file. After being serialized, it is used by the modular installation module and the model matching self-test module.

[0008] The modular installation module, through secondary development, reads a database of key fastener information from a specified path, enabling visual management and modular application of fastener materials, models, and specifications. This module features visual management capabilities; the visual interface allows selection of materials, specifications, bolt side references, nut side references, offsets, etc. The installation preview area uses multiple background images stitched together. After the user selects the fastener type to be installed (screw, spring washer, flat washer, threaded sleeve, nut), the selection interface is activated, and the corresponding image is highlighted. The module also features modular installation capabilities, allowing simultaneous selection of screws, spring washers, flat washers, threaded sleeves, and nuts for installation. After each fastener is installed, its planar information is acquired as a reference for subsequent fastener installations. All installed fasteners are grouped together for easy model organization and subsequent processing. The module also features a diameter self-matching function; the user only needs to select one fastener diameter specification (e.g., M3 for screws), and the program will automatically match the diameters of the remaining fasteners to ensure they are the same. This module has an automatic array function. After a set of fastener models is assembled, the program can identify the same type of holes on the parts and automatically array the fasteners in groups on the same type of holes.

[0009] The specification matching self-check module uses a secondary development program to read the hole parameters from the 3D model of the component and perform a matching check with the assembled fastener set via the assembly module, then provides the check results. This module has a diameter specification self-check function; the program identifies the diameter parameter value of the threaded surface of the component that meshes with the screw, and determines whether the fastener diameter matches the diameter of the threaded surface. Simultaneously, the program identifies the mounting hole diameter of each intermediate plate on the coaxial line; if the hole diameter is within a certain range, it is considered a match; otherwise, it is considered a mismatch. This module also has a fastener length specification self-check function; the program identifies the thread depth parameter value of the threaded surface of the component that meshes with the screw, determines the screw insertion length, and provides a prompt indicating whether the insertion length matches: insufficient length, correct length, or excessive length.

[0010] The specific steps of the method of the present invention are as follows:

[0011] <1> Preparation of Fastener Key Information Database

[0012] Based on the PMD enterprise standard library, a large number of existing fasteners are organized. The model name, material, model, specifications (diameter and length), and installation position information of each fastener are extracted and stored in XML files, forming a series of XML file groups.

[0013] <2> Modular installation module settings

[0014] The development module features a visual interface with options for setting materials, specifications, bolt-side references, nut-side references, and offsets. The installation preview area uses multiple graphic elements stitched together, and a highlighting function is enabled for each element, highlighting the corresponding image. An interface program between the software and the PDM (Product Data Model) is developed. When fasteners are installed in groups, the program reads the corresponding XML file and downloads the fastener model from the PDM. A group installation program is developed, with the following logic: extracting the installation reference from the bolt / screw side and installing fasteners in the order of flat washer -> spring washer -> bolt; extracting the installation reference from the nut (sleeve) side and installing fasteners in the order of flat washer -> spring washer -> nut; sleeves are installed independently, without depending on preceding fasteners, and subsequent fasteners also do not depend on sleeves. The program reads and matches diameter information from the XML file; after specifying the screw diameter, the diameters of other fasteners default to the same as the screw. The program groups all installed fasteners and displays them in the model tree, reducing the length of the top-level model tree. After a set of fasteners is installed, the program performs feature recognition on the components, reads the number and location data of the same type of holes on the same mounting plane, and pops up an interface asking "Do you want to install the same holes in an array?" After the user confirms, the same combination of fasteners is installed in these locations.

[0015] <3> Specification matching self-test module settings

[0016] Set up a parameter recognition program for holes in the 3D model of components. This program runs when a fastener reference is selected, and identifies parameters such as diameter, thread depth, and pilot hole depth. Set up a specification matching verification program. This program runs after a set of fasteners is installed. It checks the matching of the hole diameter, thread depth, and pilot hole depth with the fastener diameter and screw-in length. After comparing the data, it gives a conclusion and displays the verification results in a pop-up window.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0018] This invention is applicable to the assembly of fastener models during 3D structural modeling, significantly improving design efficiency, reducing development cycles, and minimizing design errors and quality losses. It is particularly significant in assembling large-scale models (such as military radars and aircraft), greatly improving the assembly efficiency of models with hundreds or thousands of different models and specifications, and hundreds of thousands or even millions of fasteners. Furthermore, it can completely avoid quality accidents caused by design errors such as insufficient fastening or component failure. Its successful application in radar electronic equipment structural design can be extended to other industries such as energy, electronics, machinery, and chemicals. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 Flowchart for assembling fasteners.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an example diagram of an XML file containing key information about fasteners.

[0022] Figure 4 A software interface for rapid assembly of fastener models.

[0023] Figure 5 This is the interface for checking the availability of fasteners.

[0024] Figure 6 This is the interface for displaying self-test results. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. 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.

[0026] The present invention provides a fastener model rapid assembly and specification self-checking architecture, which is used as an external or auxiliary module of CAD software platform and runs in conjunction with PDM platform.

[0027] The CAD software used in this embodiment is Creo; the PDM platform used in this embodiment is a product development management platform developed based on Windchill; the fastener model rapid assembly and specification self-checking software in this embodiment is implemented based on the Pro / Toolkit secondary development method.

[0028] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for rapid assembly and specification self-inspection of fastener models, which is applicable to the assembly of three-dimensional structures of large assembly models such as radar.

[0029] This method can achieve the following functions:

[0030] <1> Visualized management of enterprise fastener database.

[0031] <2> Fastener model modular installation.

[0032] <3> The diameter of the complete set of fasteners is self-matching.

[0033] <4> Automatic fastener array.

[0034] <5> Self-check of the compatibility between the assembly and the fasteners.

[0035] In the assembly of a three-dimensional model of a certain type of shipborne radar, the fastener assembly efficiency of this invention is improved by 90%. Fastener design errors are directly fed back to the design end and improved in a timely manner, completely avoiding quality accidents caused by design errors such as insufficient fastening and component breakdown.

[0036] The specific steps of the method of the present invention are as follows:

[0037] <1> Preparation of Fastener Key Information Database

[0038] Based on the PMD enterprise standard library, a large number of existing fasteners were organized. The model name, material, model, specifications (diameter and length), and mounting location information of each fastener were extracted and stored in an XML file (e.g., Figure 3 ), and form a series of XML file groups.

[0039] <2> Modular installation module development

[0040] The development module features a visual interface with options for setting materials, specifications, bolt side references, nut side references, and offsets. The installation preview area uses multiple graphic elements stitched together, and activating the highlight function for each element will highlight the corresponding image (e.g., ...). Figure 4 Develop an interface program between the software and the PDM (Personal Data Management System). When fasteners are installed in groups, the program reads the corresponding XML file and downloads the fastener model from the PDM. Develop a fastener availability status check tool. The program will check the selected fastener model and provide a prompt if the model is disabled or restricted in the PDM (e.g., ...). Figure 5The program is developed as a group installation procedure. The specific group installation logic is as follows: Installation references are extracted from the bolt / screw side, and fasteners are installed in the order of flat washer -> spring washer -> bolt; installation references are extracted from the nut (sleeve) side, and fasteners are installed in the order of flat washer -> spring washer -> nut; sleeves are installed independently, without depending on preceding fasteners, and subsequent fasteners also do not depend on sleeves. The program reads and matches diameter information from the XML file; after specifying the screw diameter, the diameters of the remaining fasteners are the same as the screw by default. The program groups all installed fasteners and displays them in the model tree, reducing the length of the top-level model tree. After a group of fasteners is installed, the program performs feature recognition on the components, reads the number and location data of the same type of holes on the same mounting plane, and pops up a "Do you want to array the same holes?" interface. After the user confirms, the same fastener combination is installed in these locations.

[0041] <3> Specification matching self-test module development

[0042] Develop a parameter recognition program for holes in the 3D model of components. This program runs when a fastener reference is selected, recognizing parameters such as diameter, thread depth, and pilot hole depth. Develop a specification matching verification program. This program executes after a set of fasteners is installed, verifying the matching of the hole diameter, thread depth, and pilot hole depth with the fastener diameter and screw-in length. After comparing the data, it provides a conclusion and displays it in a pop-up window (e.g., ...). Figure 6 ).

[0043] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A fastener model rapid assembly and specification self-checking architecture system, characterized in that: Develop a tool for assembling fastener models when modeling structures in 3D, including a fastener key information database, a modular installation module, and a compatibility self-checking module; The fastener key information database is based on the PDM fastener database. It extracts the model name, material, model, specifications, and installation position information of each fastener and stores them in an XML file to form a series for use by the modular installation module and the model matching self-test module. The modular installation module reads a database of key fastener information from a specified path, enabling visual management and modular application of fastener materials, models, and specifications. It features visual management capabilities, allowing users to select materials, specifications, bolt side references, nut side references, and offsets in the visual interface. The selection interface activates after the user selects the desired fastener type in the installation preview area. The module also supports modular installation, allowing simultaneous selection of screws, spring washers, flat washers, threaded sleeves, and nuts. After each fastener is installed, its planar information is acquired as a reference for subsequent fastener installations. All installed fasteners are grouped for easy model organization and subsequent processing. Furthermore, it features a diameter self-matching function, automatically matching the diameters of other fasteners to ensure they are identical when the user selects a single fastener diameter. Finally, it includes an automatic array function, recognizing similar hole types on components and automatically grouping fasteners around those holes after assembly. The specification matching self-check module reads the hole parameters from the 3D model of the component and performs a matching check with the complete set of fasteners installed through the assembly module, then provides the inspection results; it has a diameter specification self-check function, the program identifies the diameter parameter value of the threaded surface of the component that meshes with the screw, and identifies whether the fastener diameter matches the diameter of the threaded surface. At the same time, it also identifies the mounting hole diameter of each intermediate plate of the coaxial line. If the hole diameter is within a certain range, it is considered a match; otherwise, it is considered a mismatch; it has a fastener length specification self-check function, it identifies the thread depth parameter value of the threaded surface of the component that meshes with the screw, determines the screw insertion length, and provides a prompt on whether the insertion length matches.

2. The method for rapid assembly and specification self-inspection of fastener models based on the fastener model rapid assembly and specification self-inspection architecture system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific steps are as follows: <1> Preparation of Fastener Key Information Database Based on the PMD enterprise standard library, existing fasteners are organized, and the model name, material, model, specifications, and installation position information of each fastener are extracted, stored in XML files, and formed into a series of XML file groups. <2> Modular installation module settings The system includes a visual interface with options for materials, specifications, bolt side references, nut side references, and offset functions. The installation preview area uses multiple elements stitched together, and an element highlighting function is enabled, highlighting corresponding images. An interface program with the PDM (Product Data Modeling) is configured; when fasteners are installed in groups, the program reads the corresponding XML file and downloads the fastener model from the PDM. The group installation logic is set as follows: extract the installation reference from the bolt / screw side and install fasteners in the order of flat washer -> spring washer -> bolt; extract the installation reference from the nut or sleeve side and install fasteners in the order of flat washer -> spring washer -> nut; read and match the diameter information from the XML file; after specifying the screw diameter, the diameter of the remaining fasteners defaults to the same as the screw; group all installed fasteners and display them in the model tree to reduce the length of the top-level model tree; after a group of fasteners is installed, feature recognition is performed on the components, reading the number and location data of the same type of holes on the same mounting plane, and automatically creating a grouped fastener array on the same type of holes. <3> Specification matching self-test module settings Set up a parameter recognition program for holes in the 3D model of the parts, run it when the fastener reference is selected, and realize the parameter recognition of diameter, thread depth and bottom hole depth; set up a specification matching verification program, execute it after a set of fasteners is installed, and verify the matching of hole diameter, thread depth, bottom hole depth with fastener diameter and screw-in length, give a conclusion after comparing the data, and display the verification result in a pop-up window.

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