Integrated computer tools for top-down assembly design and analysis

This paper describes a prototype software system that implements a top-down approach to the concept stage of assembly design and analysis. The software implements a number of concepts and techniques introduced by the authors in previous publications. The study comprises a definition of a top-down approach to assembly design, development of several new assembly analysis and synthesis algorithms, and integration with existing algorithms. New assembly analysis and synthesis tools include: a graphical layout tool for defining an assembly level dimensional control plan, mathematical models of assembly features, assembly constraint analysis, variation propagation analysis in the presence or absence of adjustments, and an optimal control algorithm for assembly feature synthesis. Existing tools include assembly sequence constraint generator and assembly sequence generator-editor. A common assembly database is created that is used by the different analysis tools. Some of the functionalities are still evolving