Research Initiation: Three-Dimensional Spatial Reasoning in Mechanical Assemblies

这项研究将开发产品装配序列的表示和算法。这个问题在理论上是一个组合复杂性的问题。已经开发了一种描述轴对称的方法，该方法是为了描述基于高级工程特征和匹配条件的装配。基于规则的算法导出与组件的分解视图相对应的图结构。另一个程序将此信息解释为零部件之间的优先顺序，从而生成选定的装配序列。这项研究将把方法论扩展到一般的三维案例。这项研究的重要性是双重的：自动向设计者提供有关装配过程的信息可以显著提高同步工程过程；通过证明通过高级输入描述可以进行计算机化的空间推理，可以为计算机辅助设计系统开发强大的设计辅助工具。

This research will develop representations and algorithms for generating assembly sequences of products. The problem is theoretically of combinatorial complexity. A method has been developed to describe axially symmatic developed to describe assemblies based upon high-level engineering features and mating conditions. A rule-based algorithm derives a graph-structure corresponding to an exploded-view of the assembly. Interpreting this information as precedences among components, another program generates selected assembly sequences. This research will extend the methodology to general, three- dimensional cases. The importance of this research is twofold; automatically providing the designer with information regarding the assembly process can significantly enhance the simultaneous engineering process; and by showing that computerized spatial reasoning is possible with high-level input descriptions, powerful design assistants can be developed for computer aided design systems.