3D Sketching in VR Changing PDM Processes

Part 6: Tools to Support Early Design PhasesInternational audienceThe use of PDM systems is especially in the late phases of product development state of the art. In fact, it is possible to integrate requirements for future products in the meaning of product lifecycle management into a PDM system. The following steps of product development like initial design sketches are almost not represented yet. Early design work is currently done without computer assistance. An integration of handcrafted sketches in PDM systems is in the case of digitalization possible, but further use is strongly limited. Concluding, in the early phases of product development a gap does still exist in computer assistance. 3D sketching in Virtual Reality (VR) helps to close this gap. Certainly, PDM systems are not prepared for integrating such content in present structures and processes. An approach to integrate these sketches into PDM systems is the main key to establish 3D sketches in product development. To evaluate the use of 3D sketches, a demonstrator in VR has been developed. 27 test subjects worked on two different tasks within this tool. An analysis of the working process and the created solutions shows that sketching in VR could be a possible assistance. In order to cater to these results, a process to handle sketches in PDM has been developed. This process allows preparing sketches with further information and preparing them for further use. The objective is to reach a traceability for the product from requirements via sketches to CAD models to complete the product lifecycle management approach in companies