AN INTEGRATED RBR FIXTURE DESIGN SYSTEM

Oleg Mihaylov,Galina Nikolcheva

doi:10.12955/cbup.v5.1091

Oleg Mihaylov, Galina Nikolcheva

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.12955/cbup.v5.1091

Copy DOI

Abstract

Traditionally fixture design processes are costly and time-consuming when carried out manually. To try to reduce the negative features, we are creating a computer-aided fixture design system, integrated in the SolidWorksâ€™ environment. This system uses rule-based reasoning in the form of If-Then-Else rules, incorporated in its VB.NET code. This paper presents our progress in the form of an interactive add-in program for locating parts. This program generates modular fixtures for locating prismatic or cylindrical parts, using rules and mathematical equations. Its usage can shorten the time needed for determining the type and position of every module of the fixture, their assembling, and inspection.

Highlights

A fixture is a work-holding or support device used in the manufacturing industry – job, batch, and mass production
SolidWorks is a CAD system allowing the use of an application programming interface (API), which allows the automation of many designing and analytical processes for both single parts and assemblies
This paper reports the development of a fixture design system that is able to generate modular fixtures for locating prismatic or cylindrical parts

Summary

Introduction

A fixture is a work-holding or support device used in the manufacturing industry – job, batch, and mass production. Fixtures are used to position the workpiece in a specific location and orientation, and support it during machining, ensuring that all parts produced using the same fixture will maintain conformity and interchangeability These tasks require restricting the six degrees of freedom of the workpiece (Fig. 1a) and there are a variety of locating methods that can facilitate this such as: the 3-21 locating principle (6 points location), plane and pin-hole locating, long-pin locating, V-block locating (Fig. 1b). SolidWorks is a CAD system allowing the use of an application programming interface (API), which allows the automation of many designing and analytical processes for both single parts and assemblies. This is achieved by creating a program with one of the supported programming languages (C++, C#, Visual Basic etc.). The user lets the system create the fixture assembly with the button “START.”

Determining the positions of the locating elements

Findings

Conclusions