Mutationable generative feature-based design with floating datum system

This paper presents a generative feature-based design methodology that supports cutting & pasting of features and modifying feature-based model in a localized way. A floating datum system is built up to guide feature’s definition. The modification of product model is not only carried out by reexecuting the feature history tree in a sequential way , it also supports the manipulation of product design in a flexible way, such as cutting and pasting of features, extracting a portion of a successful product design and merging it into the new product. Object entities to which the datum is attached can be deleted, but the datum and the related features are still existing, and temporarily l’loating in the workspace. Reusing a portion of old products requires high level editability of feature-based design. To design a new style product through ;tt” ;y;J[PJly the value of old dimensions and attributes will but also arise replacing objects, updating constrains and semantics, cutting and pasting features and so on. The new product may inherent attributes from serials of old parts. It can be called a distant relative, and not a family member. We call such kind of design a.s mutationable design. In order to ease the process of modifying feature-based models: 0 A floating datum system is introduced to guide the design and edit process. 0 Virtual clatum is used to break down the relationship between the selected group and the product model. Through matching and replacing virtual datum with the same type objects, the broken relationships between cut features and product model are recovered. Cut features can be pasted at new place in the same model or in different model.