Study on the Architecture of Computer Aided Assembly Process Planning System for Virtual Assembly

Architecture of computer aided assembly process planning system for virtual assembly (CAAPPSFVA) is presented. CAAPPSFVA intends to aid virtual assembly process planning system (VAPPS) implementing its functions comprehensively. The function model and information stream model of CAAPPSFVA are given. CAAPPSFVA supplies many assistant functions for VAPPS and is integrated with PDM system. The relation between CAAPPSFVA and VAPPS is loosely coupled, so CAAPPSFVA can be independently used. A method of process designing tree is given. It is used to manage the product that is under process designing and also the relevant processing files. A prototype system instance manifested that the architecture can satisfy the requirement of the virtual assembly system.