Js. Gao et al., GENERALIZED 3-D TOLERANCE ANALYSIS OF MECHANICAL ASSEMBLIES WITH SMALL KINEMATIC ADJUSTMENTS, IIE transactions, 30(4), 1998, pp. 367-377
Citations number
23
Categorie Soggetti
Operatione Research & Management Science","Engineering, Industrial
The direct linearization method (DLM) for tolerance analysis of 3-D me
chanical assemblies is presented. Vector assembly models are used, bas
ed on 3-D vector loops which represent the dimensional chains that pro
duce tolerance stackup in an assembly. Tolerance analysis procedures a
re formulated for both open and closed loop assembly models. The metho
d generalizes assembly variation models to include small kinematic adj
ustments between mating parts. Open vector loops describe critical ass
embly features. Closed vector loops describe kinematic constraints for
an assembly. They result in a set of algebraic equations which are im
plicit functions of the resultant assembly dimensions. A general linea
rization procedure is outlined, by which the variation of assembly par
ameters may be estimated explicitly by matrix algebra. Solutions to an
over-determined system or a system having more equations than unknown
s are included. A detailed example is presented to demonstrate the pro
cedures of applying the DLM to a 3-D mechanical assembly.