Closed loop geometrical tolerance engineering with measuring data for reverse information processing

Abstract

Abstract In this paper the process of integrating the information of real and simulated measuring data into the early development stage and its potential benefits are presented. Thereby existing concepts of closed loop tolerance engineering are considered and expanded with geometrical aspects. As a result, the reverse process flow and interactions of the different product development stages are achieved. Criteria for the establishment of consistent data flow like independency of the used design software and measuring system as well as data exchange format are introduced. During the design stage of a product, decisions are made with a strong impact on functionality and manufacturability. Therefore, guiding the designer within this process is necessary to reduce ambiguous, uninformed and incomplete specifications. With the focus on gathering information from previous products, prototypes and early production stages the definition of the products can be optimized and waste can be reduced. With the integration of measuring data in simulations, what-if analyses and discussions, the mainly forward-facing process in product development can benefit from a reverse information processing and therefore become a closed loop process for design, tolerancing, process development, prototyping, production as well as measurement. Existing standards defined in the ISO Geometrical Product Specification system (GPS) for the specification of geometrical properties can be used to support this with the rules and structures developed for geometrical elements.