HIMADES-1: a hierarchical machine design system based on the structure model for a machine☆

Abstract A structure model is presented which can represent not only the simplified geometry of an individual part but also the whole structure of a machine. The model is derived from observation of the general features of a machine, ie the hierarchy and the topology (connectivity) among parts. The model plays an important role in developing a CAD system to aid designers in the primary design stage, because a general method for representing the whole structure of a machine is needed at that stage. An interactive machine design system named HIMADES-1 has been developed. The data structure of the system is based on the above structure model. The system has some original features, the most distinctive of which is the unified algorithm for dimension matching and motion analysis which reduces design labour in the primary stages of machine design.