CAD-based tool for development of large layouts

This paper focuses on the development of a CAD-based tool for the design of complex systems layout, where the primary objective is to compress time to market. We describe the concept for a library which contains necessary information for the conceptual stage of the design process based on the features technology. The stored information has both geometric and non-geometric characteristics. Geometric information is the core of the CAD-based tool. It is in the form of a geometry library which contains systematically abstracted 3-D CAD models. We introduce guidelines for geometric abstraction so that large layouts can be constructed and analysed in 3-D CAD systems. Besides a simplified version of the virtual model of a product, non-geometric information such as functionality, mode of action, costs, material properties, etc., are provided. The method described has been applied for the design of complex train equipment. The results reveal that the lead time required to develop an equipment layout is reduced to about 70 compared with early designs.