Integration Framework to Support Cooperation in Product Development Process

Virtual prototypes are becoming increasing v important and useful for engineers because they provide the capability to evaluate mechanical designs under "real-world" conditions during different phases of their development. The aim of the presented research paper is to create and implement a computer framework to handle viewing and examination of virtual prototypes over the Web, to manipulate appearances of parts and simultaneously enable exchanging pat-is or sub-assemblies for evaluation, involving their functional behaviour. The presented framework finally enables the propagation of changes back to modelling system, avoiding repetition of virtual model preparation. The presented model enables cooperation of a broad set of participants in production process regardless of their computer experience. (c) 2009 Journal of Mechanical Engineering. All rights reserved.