A Method for Similarity of Assembly Based on Spatial Position of Parts

Abstract

With the development of computer aided design (CAD) technology in the field of mechanical design, a large number of CAD models have been developed in recent decades. These models contain a great deal of experience and knowledge from designers and have important reference value. In this paper, we proposed a similarity calculation method for assembly to support assembly retrieval. First, the spatial information of parts in assembly are extracted which consist of the part position, connection position and connection relationship. Then the descriptor of spatial shortest path is established based on the spatial information. A similarity calculation method for the descriptor is proposed. At last the instance of similarity calculation is revealed to illustrate the process of information extraction and similarity calculation. According to the instance, it indicates that the method proposed in this paper is available support the retrieval of assembly for design reuse.