A functional approach for standard component reuse

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel approach for standard component reuse in die design. In this approach, a standard component, or a subassembly of standard components, is represented by a unique name called the order name. The order name is derived by combining a manufacturer or supplier's name with the catalogue name used for ordering components from the supplier. In this system, the standard components are classified according to their generic information, i.e. their functions and the geometrical characteristics of their mating relationships with other components. When a user designs a particular die structure for a certain function, some design options and requirements are inputted. Using this information, the generic information of the standard component is derived and the order name is selected. The rules required for the selection procedures are stored in a knowledge-base shell. The shell is able to search data tables and retrieve parameters regarding the standard components. In this approach, the catalogue data and selection procedure are independent of the design system. It is concise and consistent with industry practice.