Feature-based Product Modelling in a Collaborative Environment

Abstract

A replicated collaborative feature modeling system has been explored in this study, where a team of designers work together creating prismatic product models or designing displacement features on freeform surfaces. Two modeling functions are enhanced in this work, namely a history-independent modeling approach used for regular feature modeling and a surface blending approach used for displacement feature modeling. In addition, a granular locking mechanism has been explored for scheduling the concurrent design operations at the server. In this modeling system, users can perform design operations on a product model concurrently, e.g., create and modify regular-shaped features, designing some intricate features on freeform surfaces, and the server coordinates the concurrent operations and synchronizes the product information. This modeling platform provides a valuable paradigm for designers working together on a complex product model, which is strongly needed in current product development.