AUTOMATED FIXTURE DESIGN

A program procedure for the design of fixtures to fit varying working conditions has been developed. The procedure is able to determine and evaluate optimal fixture configurations from the description of the wo rkpiece and the assembly task. This process is done automatically. The application of this kind of procedure has the advantages of making th e fixture design information completely modular and transparent, provi ding a better match to the working conditions, reducing leadtime, and generally providing a significant enhancement of fixture productivity and economy.