Computer Aided Tolerance Analysis of Parts and Assemblies

An exact constraint scheme based on the physical contacting constraints of real part mating features is used to represent the process of assembling the parts. To provide useful probability information about how assembly dimensions are distributed when the parts are assembled as intended, the real world constraints that would prevent interference are ignored.

This work addresses some limitations in the area of three dimensional assembly tolerance analysis. As a result of this work, the following were demonstrated: 1. Assembly of parts whose assembly mating features are subjected to variation; 2. Assemble parts using a real world set of exact constraints; 3. Provide probability distributions of assembly dimensions.