Screw Theory is used to provide mathematical models of assembly features, allowing the determination of positioning constraints imposed on one part in an assembly by another part based on the geometry of the features that join them. Several feature types have been modeled, and it is easy to model new ones. A user of this theory is able to combine members of this set to join two parts and then determine whether or not the defined feature set over-, under-, or fully-constrains the location and orientation of the part. The ability to calculate the state of constraint of parts in an assembly is useful in supporting quantitative design of properly constrained assemblies in CAD systems. Locational over-constraint of parts can lead to assembleability problems or require deformation of parts in order to complete the assembly.
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March 2001
Technical Papers
Application of Screw Theory to Constraint Analysis of Mechanical Assemblies Joined by Features
Jeffrey D. Adams,
Jeffrey D. Adams
Sanmina, Inc., 560 Arapeen Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84108
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Daniel E. Whitney
Daniel E. Whitney
MIT, Center for Technology, Policy and Industrial Development, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Rm. E40-243, Cambridge, MA 02139
Search for other works by this author on:
Jeffrey D. Adams
Sanmina, Inc., 560 Arapeen Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Daniel E. Whitney
MIT, Center for Technology, Policy and Industrial Development, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Rm. E40-243, Cambridge, MA 02139
Contributed by the Mechanisms and Robotics Committee for publication in the JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL DESIGN. Manuscript received August 1999. Associate Editor: C. Innocenti
J. Mech. Des. Mar 2001, 123(1): 26-32 (7 pages)
Published Online: August 1, 1999
Article history
Received:
August 1, 1999
Citation
Adams, J. D., and Whitney, D. E. (August 1, 1999). "Application of Screw Theory to Constraint Analysis of Mechanical Assemblies Joined by Features ." ASME. J. Mech. Des. March 2001; 123(1): 26–32. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1334858
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