Product design analysis based on life cycle features

Abstract

In this research, we effectively integrate the downstream activities of the design process and present a product model representation. Using an extended definition of feature, the product model is represented by its life cycle features, design for X attributes, geometrical and topological information, material features, etc. The relationship between the product features defined makes possible the use of an object-oriented approach to represent the product model with the complete description of the life cycle applications such as the assembly, disassembly, recycling, maintainability, environment, etc. In this way, the designer is able to assess the design performance regarding each life cycle application and redesign the product model accordingly. Since current CAD systems cannot represent the proposed life cycle features, life cycle feature system is implemented using OpenCascade, a geometry kernel and C++ programming. The representation of a product model that integrates the product life cycle features, the geometry and topology of the product and the product model design analysis based on the downstream design activities make our study different from many product design models presented earlier.

Keywords:

• life cycle
• features
• CAD
• design for X