FACILE: A Clean Interface Design and Fabrication of Mechanical Parts

拟议研究的目标是开发一种类似于用于VLSI原型制作的MOSIS系统的机械部件设计和制造系统。在所提出的模型中，离散零件交换格式(DPIF)文件将为设计者和制造者之间的信息交换提供基本的基础设施。DPIF中的数据类型包括工件描述(WD)、零件描述(PD)和三类制造块(FB)。制造块是简单而直观的操作符，这也限制了设计师的选择，使其只能选择可制造的形状。数据以分层数据结构组织，零件描述中包含的几何图形与制造块之间具有关联性。属性架构提供了将信息附加到数据类型的强大方法。设计者的系统功能包括FBS的创建、编辑和`宏‘模拟。制作者的系统功能包括后处理、微观模拟和成本估算。实验将与其他大学合作进行，并与当地一家机械加工承包商合作，以测试和完善概念。大约50-100个离散部件将被生产出来。如果这项研究成功，可能会从根本上改变小批量离散部件的生产方式。设计师和制造商将不再需要物理上的接近，交付时间将更短，投标和合同将通过电子传输进行交换。设计师将通过基于网络的分销系统请求投标。制造商将以最少的人力估算建造成本，并通过电子邮件提交投标。

The goal of the proposed research is to develop a system for the design and fabrication of mechanical parts that is analogous to the MOSIS system used for VLSI prototyping. In the proposed model, a Discrete Part Interchange Format (DPIF) file will provide the basic infrastructure for exchange of information between the designer and fabricator. Data types in the DPIF include a Workpiece Description (WD), Part Description (PD) and three classes of Fabrication Blocks (FB). Fabrication Blocks are simple and intuitive operators which also limit the designer's choices to shapes which are manufactureable. Data are organized in a hierarchical data structure with associativity between the geometry contained in the Part Description and the Fabrication Blocks. Attribute Schemas provide a powerful method for attaching information to the data types. System functionality for the Designer includes creation, editing and `macro` simulation of the FBs. System functionality for the Fabricator includes postprocessing, micro simulation and cost estimation. Experiments will be performed in collaboration with other universities, and with a local machining contractor to test and refine the concepts. Approximately 50-100 discrete parts will be produced. This research, if successful, could fundamentally change the way that discrete parts of small lots sizes are produced. Physical proximity of designer and fabricator would no longer be necessary, delivery times will be shorter, bids and contracts will be exchanged by electronic transmission. Designers will request bids via a web based distribution system. Fabricators will estimate cost to build with minimum human effort and submit bids via email.