Concurrent engineering design tool and method

Abstract

A computer-based engineering design system to design a part, a tool to make the part, and the process to make the part. The design system has a processor and a memory. The memory stores feature templates, each feature template being a representation of a primitive object having a form and a function. Each feature template is indexed by the function of the primitive object and includes a representation of a primitive geometric entity having the form of the primitive object. Each feature template can include information relating to a tool to make the primitive object and a process to make the primitive object. The design system also includes an input device for receiving a request to design the part. This request includes one or more predetermined functions that the part performs. A core design module, executable by the processor, designs the part, the tool to make the part and process to make the part by accessing the plurality of feature templates in the memory to locate one or more primitive objects that perform the one or more predetermined functions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a computer system for automated concurrent engineering, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for the concurrent design of parts, tools and processes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConcurrent engineering aims to integrate product design and manufacturing cycles in a systematic way to facilitate the swift, cost-effective progression of new products from raw concept to end customer.Traditionally, when designing a new product, a team of designers usually participate in what is known as a product development cycle. In general terms, the first stage in designing a new product is that of concept design, in which overall needs and aims are addressed.Next is the initial design stage. The initial design stage comprises steps of designing the part, then choosing the materials and determining the process to make the part, then designing the tool to make the part. For example, if the part is to be a computer keyboard, first the s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The engineering economics estimator module of the present invention can be used to estimate the overall cost of producing the product. By taking the economics of product design and production into account at an early stage, decisions and constraints can be determined before detailed designs are made. This prevents designs being made or prototyped that are economically infeasible.

The knowledge representation scheme of the present invention enables engineering economics to be given to a user. For example, once the part, tool and process design have been established, the system can access on-line data-bases or stored information to determine the cost producing the part in different geographic areas, the cost of producing two parts per mould compared with three parts per mould, and which machines are needed to produce the part and the cost of such machines. Thus, it can be determined if it is feasible to produce the part within budget. The system can inform the user of breakdown of its estimated production cost (e.g., inform the user that the material cost is the greatest cost) to enable the user to redesign the part, tool or process so that budgets are met.

Problems solved by technology

Without good part design, subassemblies cannot be reliably designed, and without reliable sub-assemblies, defective product designs will abound.

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