Integrating Parametric Geometry, Features, and Variational Modeling for Conceptual Design

Abstract

Abstract We describe an architecture for conceptual mechanical modeling. It combines tools for parametric geometry and variational modeling using a feature-based representation. Parametric geometry allows designers to represent families of components as a single parameterized model. Variational modeling allows designers to model mechanical concepts analytically using equational constraints, and to evaluate competing alternatives common during conceptual design. Feature definition facilities allow designers to build libraries of frequently used mechanical components, by collecting interacting components into single higher level entities (features), and defining ways to interact with them. All of these capabilities are needed for conceptual design, and play complementary roles. Integrating them, and clarifying their inter-relationships, is essential to building an architecture supporting conceptual design. To this end, we have implemented this architecture in an experimental CAD system.