Research Initiation Award: Computer-Aided Fixturing in Computer-Integrated Manufacturing Systems

本研究侧重于组合夹具的柔性夹具问题，其主要目标是开发一个面向组合夹具应用的计算机辅助夹具系统。研究内容包括计算机辅助夹具设计、计算机辅助夹具设计评价和计算机辅助夹具管理三个方面。所使用的方法独特而实用。在夹具设计中，研究如何获取和利用以往的设计经验，以及如何实际生成夹具设计。以定位方法为主的夹具需求分析和夹具结构分析是夹具设计的基础。在夹具设计评价中，探讨了夹具设计自动化验证的准则。在夹具管理方面，对夹具工位管理和与其他制造部门的沟通进行了研究。因此，夹具活动可以与CAD/CAPP/CAM和生产控制系统集成。该项目为利用计算机技术设计、验证和管理组合夹具提供了一个工程工具。研究成果的应用有助于：(1)使FMS真正柔性化，使CIMS实用化；(2)显著减少小批量生产中夹具设计和制造的时间和成本；(3)利用以往的设计经验、夹具分析和夹具设计评估，提高夹具设计质量；(4)为工业界利用计算机技术处理复杂夹具问题提供了实用工具。

This research stresses the flexible fixturing problem with a main goal of developing a computer-aided fixturing system for modular fixture applications in CIMS. The research includes three aspects: computer-aided fixture design, computer-aided fixture design evaluation and computer-aided fixturing management. Methods used are unique and practical. In fixture design, this research studies how to acquire and utilize previous design experience and how to practically generate a fixture design. A locating method dominated fixuring requirement analysis and fixture structure analysis are performed as the basis of the fixture design. In fixture design evaluation, criteria are explored for automated fixture design verification. In fixturing management, fixture station management and communication with other manufacturing departments are studied. Therefore, fixturing activity can be integrated with CAD/CAPP/CAM and production control systems. This project provides an engineering tool for using computer technology to design, verify, and manage modular fixtures. The application of the research results may contribute to: (1) making FMS truly flexible and CIMS practically feasible; (2) significantly reducing fixture design and fabrication time and cost in small and batch production; (3) improving quality of fixture design with the utilization of previous design experience, fixturing analysis, and fixture design evaluations; and (4) providing a practical tool for industry to deal with complex fixturing problems by using computer technology.