Implementation of a tolerance model in a computer aided design and inspection system

Purpose: Purpose of this paper is present a detailed framework to integrate the Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Inspection (CAI) systems through the integration of the Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) with the inspection process in coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Design/methodology/approach: The approach used to develop a prototype of a Knowledge Based System (KBS) applied to inspection process establishes a new methodology for integrate the geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). The integration is achieved through the definition of the knowledge units for functional properties of GD&T, inspection resources and inspection operations in a common knowledge model. The manufacturing and processing applications are the main topics approach of this paper. Findings: The findings are focused in modeling the features and interactions between knowledge units associated to topology, geometry and tolerances with the inspection process activities. The implementation of the product knowledge model is presented in a computer platform that extracts and represents the GD&T information in a CAI system. Research limitations/implications: The implications are focused on the automation of the inspection process in a KBS application. The future research is focused on the use of artificial intelligent technique, such as genetic algorithms and neural networks, to optimize the time to execute the inspection process. Practical implications: The main outcomes and implication of the KBS prototype application are focused on the reduction of the time spend to develop the inspection process. This KBS application provides the needed information to elaborate this process without the human interface. Originality/value: The original value of this paper is the integration of the design and inspection specification in a unique prototype application. The knowledge model has been defined in a common modeling language (UML) and can be implemented in different informatics platforms.

[1]  Alain Rivière,et al.  Towards a Digital Functional Assistance Process for Tolerancing , 2003, J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng..

[2]  Bob J. Wielinga,et al.  KADS: a modelling approach to knowledge engineering , 1992 .

[3]  Patri K. Venuvinod,et al.  Development of a generic computer-aided process planning support system , 2003 .

[4]  K. E. Rennels.  Current methodologies for geometric dimensioning and tolerancing , 2003, Proceedings: Electrical Insulation Conference and Electrical Manufacturing and Coil Winding Technology Conference (Cat. No.03CH37480).

[5]  Guus Schreiber,et al.  Knowledge Engineering and Management: The CommonKADS Methodology , 1999 .

[6]  José Ríos,et al.  Information model for the integration of inspection activity in a concurrent engineering framework , 2003 .

[7]  S G Zhang,et al.  A feature-based inspection process planning system for co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) , 2000 .

[8]  Maria J. Stokes,et al.  Managing Engineering Knowledge: MOKA-Methodology for Knowledge Based Engineering Applications , 2001 .

[9]  Anjo Anjewierden,et al.  The KACTUS View on the 'O' word , 1995, IJCAI 1995.

[10]  Robert I. M. Young,et al.  Information models in an integrated fixture decision support tool , 1998 .

[11]  José Ríos,et al.  Knowledge model as an integral way to reuse the knowledge for fixture design process , 2005 .

[12]  Trichy M. Kethara Pasupathy,et al.  Modeling and representation of geometric tolerances information in integrated measurement processes , 2006, Comput. Ind..