An Algorithm Of Location Planning For Doweled Modular Fixture

A systematic methodology for automatic planning of modular fixture for dowel-pin system is presented in this paper. By using the mechanism theory the dowel-pin system could be automatically designed so as to determine the position of two or three side locators. A method of how to locate the side of each part which combined by a plate and cylinder surface is emphasized below: firstly, two locators should be positioned in the base plate; secondly, according to the relationship between two locators and the locate edge the linkage mechanism can be created. The location of the third locator can be determined by the intersection of linkage curve and locate edge. The half-Vee is also considered in this paper. The methodology provide all the feasible candidate plans including the processing plans and locating plans of a part which can be integrated with CAD system. A prototype system is developed with ACIS and Visual C++. Some tested samples have proved the algorithms involved in this paper.