A force rendering model for virtual assembly of mechanical parts with clearance fits
ISSN: 0144-5154
Article publication date: 14 December 2017
Issue publication date: 5 March 2018
Abstract
Purpose
Realistic force sensation can help operators better feel and manipulate parts for virtual assembly (VA). Moreover, for VA of mechanical parts, it is necessary to consider their tolerance levels so as to apply proper assembly forces. Out of the three common assembly fit types, the type of clearance fit is the focus of virtual manual assembly, as parts with such fit type require precise force feedback to assist users’ assembly operations.
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes a novel force rendering model for VA of mechanical parts with clearance fits. By decomposing an actual assembly operation into three consecutive states, the corresponding forces are formulated.
Findings
A prototype system is designed and developed to implement the model, and comparative case studies are conducted to investigate the users’ performance with the other three common approaches, namely, a typical WIMP (window-icon-menu-pointer) interface with CAD software, a physics simulation with collision detection and the approach that combines physics simulation and geometric constraints restriction. The results have shown that the proposed model is more realistic by providing continuous and realistic force feedback to the users.
Originality/value
The users’ feeling of immersion and their operational efficiency are greatly enhanced with the force sensation provided.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was partially supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China [grant number 51575192], the Science & Technology Research Program of Guangzhou [grant number 2014Y2-00016] and the Science & Technology Research Program of Guangdong [grant number 2015A010104005].
Citation
Wang, Q., Huang, Z.-D., Li, J. and Liu, J.-W. (2018), "A force rendering model for virtual assembly of mechanical parts with clearance fits", Assembly Automation, Vol. 38 No. 2, pp. 173-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/AA-12-2016-175
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited