Objectif
There are two phases of use within the PICASSO design methodology:
- Configuration ('Super user')
- By system vendor:
- Define component catalogues
- Define assembly types
- By system manager at user site:
- Add extra components
- Add extra assembly types
- Assembly design ('normal user')
The configuration phase builds a catalogue of component definitions and a database of assembly definitions.
The design phase uses these two databases to build the final assembly model.
There are two configuration modules:
- Component Definition
- Assembly Definition
The assembly design module incorporates a functional tolerancing module to determine tolerances automatically from component function.
The objective of PICASSO is to develop a system to support the design of mechanical engineering assemblies from semi-standard components.
A methodology will be developed in which a designer will be offered a choice of assembly "types", and will then be led through the design by being offered a choice of components from an advanced group technology (GT) hierarchy. As each component is chosen, rules will constrain the choice of connecting components, so that at each stage fewer decisions are required of the designer.
A prototype computer aided design support system will be developed, including a library of geometric representations of the components to be modelled, a database of component details arranged as a GT hierarchy, and knowledge-base of design constraints and functional tolerance descriptions. Design tolerances will be determined automatically from the functional tolerances, and this information will be used to further constrain the combination of components into assemblies.
The prototype will contain details of components and design rules for the mould and press tool industries, but the methodology and prototype system will be designed to be sufficiently general for other industries dealing with mechanical engineering assemblies of a similar level of complexity.
The prototype design system will be evaluated by mould and press tool companies against the criteria that the system should demonstrate the potential for cost and lead time reductions in assembly design and manufacture.
Champ scientifique
Appel à propositions
Data not availableRégime de financement
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinateur
B10 OHJ BIRMINGHAM
Royaume-Uni