Automatic generation of exploded view by graph transformation

A method for automatically deriving exploded views of uni-axial assemblies has been extended to handle 3D cases. Products are initially designed in terms of high-level features and mating conditions. Next, a graph of planar contacts between parts is created and transformed into a new graph depicting an exploded view of the product. The transformation rules combine knowledge of part geometry and assembly process heuristics to infer the relative spatial locations in the exploded layout. Automatic generation of correct exploded views is useful for CAD systems as an aid in visualization. The current research uses exploded views as a first step toward assembly sequence planning