Abstract
In order to be able to lay out, analyze, outsource, assemble, and debug complex assemblies, we need ways to capture their fundamental structure in a top-down design process, including the designer’s strategy for kinematically constraining and locating the parts accurately with respect to each other. We describe a concept called the “Datum Flow Chain” to capture this logic. The DFC relates the datum logic explicitly to the product’s key characteristics, assembly sequences, and choice of mating features, and provides the information needed for tolerance analyses. Two types of assemblies are addressed: Type-1 where the assembly process puts parts together at their prefabricated mating features, and Type-2 where the assembly process can incorporate in-process adjustments to redistribute variation. Two types of assembly joints are defined: mates that pass dimensional constraint from part to part, and contacts that merely provide support. The scope of DFC in assembly planning is presented using several examples. Analysis tools to evaluate different DFCs and select the ones of interest are also presented.
TOP-DOWN OR BOTTOM-UP? EMPLOYING A MIDDLE-GROUND APPROACH IN DESIGNING A UK ACADEMIC WRITING COURSE FOR ADVANCED CHINESE GRADUATES