Constraint-based virtual conceptual design

Abstract

This paper introduces an approach towards modelling and validation of mechanisms in the conceptual design phase applying virtual reality techniques and kinematics simulation. The presented system allows to interactively assemble mechanisms and to experience their behaviour within the same process. The described approach incrementally builds kinematic chains reducing stepwise degrees of freedom. Kinematics is expressed in terms of joints by geometric constraints, which are solved in real time during interaction with the virtual prototype.