Computer-aided assembly tolerancing tools

A methodology and system to analyze mechanical assemblies has been developed employing a Virtual Boundary Representation. Assemblies are constructed by associating components with simple male and female mating relationships. A double linked list data structure is developed to represent tolerance and assembly primitives. The relationship of this representation to current ANSI dimensioning and tolerancing standards is defined. Algorithms are developed to interrogate the data structure for tolerance chain details, record basic assembly information, and to perform assembly simulations. Assemblies are analyzed for such information as: ability to assemble, satisfaction of ANSI inspection requirements, component movement, and certain "quality" information. Example cases are performed with virtual boundary parameters allowed to vary according to statistical distributions associated with method of manufacture and include the use of orthogonal arrays in an effort to optimize specific design functions.