IFDA: an interactive fixture design and assembly environment

Abstract

In the development of a fixture design system, an important element is building a modular fixture database that can be integrated with a CAD system. This paper describes the architecture and the details in developing an interactive fixture design and assembly (IFDA) environment that interfaces with Hewlett-Packard (HP) ME30 solid modeller and a fixture-elements database based on a hole-matrix modular fixturing system, namely Bluco Technik. The menu layout of the IFDA environment was designed to include the four categories of fixture elements, i.e. base plates, locators, clamps, and accessories. The modular fixture elements, displayed in bit-mapped graphics together with its key attributes, can be retrieved from the database and be assembled in the CAD system. The Motif-based graphical user interface (GUI) design makes it easier to design a modular fixture on-screen. The interactive nature helps fixture designers to select and verify fixture elements from a catalogue database before assembling and constructing them. The information stored by the IFDA environment can be used for automated retrieval and assembly of modular fixtures.