Multationable Generative Feature-Based Design with Floating Datum System

摘要

This paper presents a generative feature-based design methodology that supports cutting & pasting of features and modifying feature-based model in a localized way. A floating datum system is built up to guide feature's definition. The modification of product model is not only carried out by reexecuting the feature history tree in a sequential way, it also supports the manipulation of product design in a flexible way, such as cutting and pasting of features, extracting a portion of a successful product design and merging it into the new product. Object entities to which the datum is attached can be deleted, but the datum and the related features are still existing, and temporarily floating in the workspace.