Skip to main content
Log in

Analysis neutral data structure for GD&T

  • Published:
Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The fundamental issue for automatic geometric tolerance analysis is the representation model, which should, in conjunction with CAD models, accurately and completely represent the GD&T specification according to the GD&T standards. Furthermore, such a representation model should facilitate GD&T validation and tolerance analysis. Most GD&T representation models proposed so far are specific to the tolerance analysis method. Common tolerance analysis methods are min/max chart, Monte Carlo simulation and multivariate regions. This paper will propose a semantic GD&T model, which can be used for any of these methods. The model is a super constraint-tolerance-feature-graph (SCTF-Graph). This paper will demonstrate how the SCTF-Graph model can represent all the tolerance types in the standards, and can contain all the information that is needed for tolerance analysis: nominal geometry (i.e. trimmed features in this research), constraints, tolerances, degrees of freedom (DoFs) to be controlled, assembly hierarchy, and their respective inter-relationships. This paper will discuss the content of the model, how it can be automatically created from the CAD model containing GD&T information (e.g. attributed B-Rep model), and the implementation of such a model, along with some case studies.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.

References

  • ASME, Standard. (1994). Dimensioning and tolerancing, ASME Y14.5M-1994. New York: American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

  • Chase, K. W., Magleby, S. P., & Gao, J. S. (2000). Tolerance analysis of 2-D and 3-D mechanical assemblies with small kinematic adjustments, Retrieved from http://adcats.et.byu.edu/WWW/Publication.

  • Clément, A., Riviére, A., & Serre, P. (1995). A declarative information model for functional requirement. In Proceedings of the 4th CIRP Design Seminar, April 5–6, 1995, pp. 1–16, Tokyo, Japan.

  • Desrochers, A., & Maranzana, R. (1995). Constrained dimensioning and tolerancing assistance for mechanisms. In Proceedings of the 4th CIRP Design Seminar, April 5–6, 1995, pp. 17–30, Tokyo, Japan.

  • Desrochers A., Riviere A. (1997) A matrix approach to the representation of tolerance zone and clearances. Source, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology 13(9): 630–636

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hillyard R.C., Braid I.C. (1978) Analysis of dimensions and tolerances in computer aided mechanical design. Journal of Computer Aided Design 10(3): 161–166

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jayaraman R., Srinivasan V. (1989) Geometric tolerancing: I. Virtual boundary requirements.. IBM Journal of Research and Development 33(2): 90–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, R. H. (1985). Dimensioning and tolerancing—Final report, R84-GM-02–2, CAM-I. Arlington, Texas, USA.

  • Kandikjan, T., & Shah, J. (1998). A computational model for geometric dimensions and tolerances consistent with engineering practice. In Proceedings of DETC’98, September 13–16, 1998, Atlanta, GA.

  • Kandikjan T., Shah J., Davidson J. (2001) A mechanism for validating dimensioning and tolerancing schemes in CAD systems. Journal of Computer Aided Design 33: 721–737

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krishnan K.K., Eyada O.K., Ong J.B. (1997) Modeling of manufacturing processes characteristics for automated tolerance analysis. International Journal of Industrial Engineering 14(3): 187–196

    Google Scholar 

  • Maeda, T., & Tokuoka, N. (1995). Toleranced feature modeling by constraint of degree of freedom for assignment of tolerance. In Proceedings of 4th CIRP Design Seminar April 5–6, 1995, pp. 89-103, Tokyo, Japan.

  • Ranyak, P. S., & Fridshal, R. (1988). Features for tolerancing a solid model. ASME Computers in Eng. Conf., Vol. 1, pp. 262–274.

  • Requicha A.A.G. (1983) Toward a theory of geometric tolerancing. International Journal of Robotics Research 2(4): 45–60

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rivest, L., Fortin, C., & Desrochers, A. (1993). Tolerance modeling for 3D analysis-presenting a kinematic formulation. In Proceedings of 3rd CIRP Seminars on Computer Aided Tolerancing, April 27–28, 1993, pp. 51–74, France.

  • Roy U., Liu C.R. (1993) Integrated CAD frameworks: Tolerance representation scheme in a solid model. Computers & Industrial Engineering 24(3): 495–509

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roy U., Fang Y.C. (1996) Tolerance representation scheme for a three-dimensional product in an object-oriented programming environment. IIE Transactions 28: 809–819

    Google Scholar 

  • Shah J.J., Miller D. (1990) A structure for supporting geometric tolerances in product definition systems for CIM. Manufacturing Review 3(1): 23–31

    Google Scholar 

  • Shah J., Yan Y., Zhang B.-C. (1998) Dimension and tolerance modeling and transformations in feature based design and manufacturing. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing v 9(5): 475–488

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, Z. (2005) Development of a framework for a set of computer-aided tools for tolerance analysis. Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Mech. & Aerospace Eng., Arizona State Univ, Tempe, AZ.

  • Shen Z., Ameta G., Shah J.J., Davidson J.K. (2005) A comparative study of tolerance analysis methods, ASME Transactions. Journal of Computing & Information Science in Engineering 5(3): 247–256

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, Z., Shah, J. J., & Davidson, J. K. (2005b). A complete variation algorithm for slot and tab features for 3D simulation-based tolerance analysis. In CDROM Proceedings of DETC’05, September 25–28, Long Beach, CA.

  • Shen, Z., Shah, J. J., & Davidson, J. K. (2005c). Simulation-based tolerance and assemblability analyses of assemblies with multiple pin-hole floating mating conditions. In CDROM Proceedings of DETC’05, September 25–28, Long Beach, CA.

  • Shen, Z., Shah, J. J., & Davidson, J. K. (2006). Virtual part arrangement in automatic tolerance chart based tolerance analysis at the assembly level. In CDROM Proceedings of DETC’06, September 10–13, 2006, Philadelphia, PA.

  • Shen, Z., Shah, J. J., & Davidson, J. K. (2008). Automatic generation of min/max tolerance charts for tolerance analysis from CAD models. International Journal of Computer-Integrated Manufacturing. (in press).

  • Tsai J.C., Cutkosky M.R. (1997) Representation and reasoning of geometric tolerances in design. Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Design, Analysis and Manufacturing 11: 325–341

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Turner J.U. (1993) A feasibility space approach for automated tolerancing. Journal of Engineering for Industry 115(3): 341–346

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, Y. Y. (2002). Development of mathematical tools for modeling geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Mech. & Aerospace Eng., Arizona State Univ., Tempe, AZ.

  • Wu Y.Y., Shah J.J., Davidson J.K. (2003) Computer modeling of geometric variations in mechanical parts and assemblies. ASME Transactions. Journal of Computing & Information Science in Engineering, special issue on GD&T 3(1): 54–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, B. C. (1992). Geometric modeling of dimensioning and tolerancing. Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Mech. & Aerospace Eng., Arizona State Univ, Tempe, AZ.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jami J. Shah.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Shen, Z., Shah, J.J. & Davidson, J.K. Analysis neutral data structure for GD&T. J Intell Manuf 19, 455–472 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-008-0096-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-008-0096-2

Keywords