Feature-Based Assembly Design: Concepts and Design Environment

Abstract

Abstract The design of mechanical assemblies is mainly done after having modeled single parts. Most of the CAD systems are still weak for what concerns assembly. For example, they do not support the manipulation or the modification of the part geometry or the mating conditions once the assembly is made. The introduction of a feature-based approach in assembly design, successfully used in the design of single parts, would offer several advantages. This paper describes some results of the research work done within a project funded by the European Union aiming at extending the use of features, to help in the solution of assembly problems in the aeronautical applications.