Parametric model: a conceptual framework for geometric modelling databases

Abstract

To reduce the time and effort involved, a database that supports the reusability of designs while effectively modeling the structure and behavior of engineering components with multiple features is essential. The conceptual model of this database should describe all the information related to an object in an application-independent manner to ensure data sharing and facilitate the implementation of data languages that simplify the design task. Most of the present-day solid modeling databases lack this kind of conceptual structure. The authors present a conceptual framework that attempts to meet the requirements outlined. Operations are defined on this framework to permit the reusability of the designs and modeling of the structure and behavior of a component using this framework is illustrated with suitable examples. This framework is supported by theory and operations on hypergraphs. The theory is discussed and tested against the requirements, and basic implementation is elaborated on.<>