Assembly design semantic recognition using solid works-API

This paper describes a novel approach to recognize and model assembly semantic knowledge enclosed in product assembly features. The proposed approach is based on two stages: assembly semantic recognition and assembly semantic modelling. In the first stage, the internal boundary representation (B-rep) recognition method is utilized to extract assembly semantic knowledge from assembly CAD models using SolidWorks' API functions. In the second stage, a multi-level semantic assembly model is generated. The proposed assembly semantic model is characterized by separating geometrical semantic data represented by form features (basic geometrical and topological entities such as holes, slots, notches etc.) from assembly features (features significant for assembly processes such as mating, alignment, handling, joining etc.). Another characteristic for of the proposed approach is the ability to generate application-specific features based on the extracted geometrical, dimensional and positional semantic data from the assembly design. The generated application specific features will be used to integrate assembly design knowledge to the required assembly processes and resources in the assembly process planning (APP) in product life-cycle. A case-study example is included for illustration of the proposed approach. The work is part of the research within the Evolvable Production Systems paradigm and aims at linking product features to production equipment modules.QC 20170226