Analysis of solution principles in mechanical engineering by means of geometric constraint solving

摘要

This publication discusses the use of a constraint solver in the conceptual phase of the design process. During the conceptual phase the structure as well as the main characteristics of machines and technical products will be fixed. Results of this phase are solution principles which can be represented by symbols. These predefined or user-defined symbols contain geometrical and functional information. Analysis and evaluation (movement simulations, degree of freedom analysis, static calculations etc.) can be carried out using a constraint solver. The constraint solver is designed as module for commercial CAD systems to achieve best integration in a CAD environment and to decrease implementation effort. In this way, solution principles found in the conceptual phase can be used as the basis for determination of the first rough structure.