FEATURE-BASED MODELING FOR MECHANICAL DESIGN

It has been recognized that feature-based modeling can provide the needed design information that facilitates bridging the gap between engineering design and manufacturing. Feature-based modeling allows part geometry to be represented by higher-level entities that relate directly to certain design functionalities or manufacturing characteristics. In this paper we discuss two prototype systems which use feature-based modeling. The first system links a solid modeler and an expert system to reason about the gating design for investment casting. The second system uses feature-based modeling to create a sheetmetal product model from which related applications may be automated. Geometry representation based on features allows easy integration with other applications such as analysis, cost estimation, flat pattern layout, and many others. Finally, an overall framework incorporating feature-based modeling, geometric reasoning, and variational geometry is proposed as a future research direction. © 1990.