Framework for a Structure Oriented Exchange of CAD Data

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• I. Introduction
  • 1. Problem analysis and requirements definition
  • 2. Review state of the art of exchange strategies
  • 3. Analysis of modelling capabilities regarding feature modelling and structure representation
  • 4. Needs-identification
  • 5. Requirement definitions
  • 6. Outline of the thesis
• II. Approaches to the Exchange of CAD Data
  • 1. Outline
  • 2. General Classification of Exchange Approaches
    • 2.1. Direct and Standard-based exchange Approaches
    • 2.2. Horizontal and Vertical Exchange Approaches
    • 2.3. Classification of exchange strategies
  • 3. Capabilities of Scientific Exchange Strategies
    • 3.1. On the Implicit Exchange of Feature-Based Product Model Data
    • 3.2. Exchange of CAD Part Models Based on the Macro-Parametric Approach
    • 3.3. The Unified Approach to Modelling Multidisciplinary Interaction
    • 3.4. An exchange Approach in Conceptual-Based Design System
    • 3.5. Open CAD Environment
  • 4. Capabilities of Exchange Strategies in Commercial Areas
    • 4.1. Vendor Exchange Method
    • 4.2. Native Exchange Method
    • 4.3. Neutral Exchange Method
      • 4.3.1. IGES
      • 4.3.2. VDA-FS
      • 4.3.3. SET
      • 4.3.4. XBF
      • 4.3.5. PDDI
      • 4.3.6. Projects Related to Neutral Exchange Methods
      • 4.3.7. STEP (ISO-10303)
  • 5. Further technologies
    • 5.1. Parts Library
    • 5.2. CAD Services
    • 5.3. ProSTEP
  • 6. Conclusion
• III. Analysis of today's CAD systems - concepts and capabilities
  • 1. Outline
  • 2. Feature modelling definitions
    • 2.1. Feature definitions
    • 2.2. Feature model definition
    • 2.3. Feature modelling definition
    • 2.4. Feature attributes definition
    • 2.5. Types of features
    • 2.6. Feature properties

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to develop a framework for structure-oriented exchange of CAD model data, focusing on data that describes a product's geometric shape. The goal is to create a system that enables seamless data exchange throughout a product's life cycle, spanning various enterprises and stages of development.

• Analysis of CAD modelling capabilities regarding feature modelling and structural representation
• Survey of existing scientific and commercial strategies for exchange of CAD model data
• Specification of an overarching framework to address key technical challenges
• Illustration of the framework's functionality through a practical use case
• Exploration of the importance of structured data exchange for efficient product development and collaboration across organizations.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter introduces the problem of exchanging CAD data and outlines the thesis's objectives. It addresses the need for robust data exchange across different stages of a product's life cycle, encompassing various enterprises. The second chapter delves into existing approaches for exchanging CAD data, categorizing them into direct and standard-based methods. It examines both scientific and commercial strategies, exploring techniques like implicit exchange, macro-parametric approaches, and neutral exchange formats.

Chapter three focuses on the analysis of today's CAD systems. It examines the concept of feature modelling and defines key elements like features, models, attributes, and types. The chapter explores the capabilities and limitations of existing CAD systems, particularly in terms of feature modelling and structural representation.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The central themes of this thesis are CAD data exchange, feature modelling, structure-oriented data representation, and product lifecycle management. The work investigates various exchange strategies, including direct, standard-based, scientific, and commercial approaches, highlighting formats like IGES, VDA-FS, SET, XBF, PDDI, and STEP.