Feature-based representation for assembly modelling

The aim of building an assembly model is to describe the component geometry and to define the relationships between parts of the final assembly. This requires a representation of features which include all the information needed to assemble the products and a data structure which stores information on how all the components and features are connected in an assembly. This paper outlines the development of an assembly model based on an established feature representation and a hierarchical assembly structure. Information needed to establish assembly relationships among features are included in the form of mating conditions such as "against", "fits" and the mating of two faces. The model is embedded in an object-oriented solid modeller kernel. The aim is to achieve an efficient assembly model that can be used to generate feasible sets of assembly plans.