Introduction:
In a similar manner as the part family identification concept. Assemblies can be identified with motions rather than features, however we are interested in grouping the motions and parts together that would be otherwise manually recorded data from assembly animation observations. All data is extracted from CAD model no outside calculations from other software needed.
The premise for this assembly idea is the following:
Sum of the Parts + Sum of the Motions = Assembly
If you look at a explosion view animation in 3D CAD; it is exactly motions and parts coming together to make a unified constructed assembly.
RAL captures the motions extracting from the software -explosion view animation data : The vector direction, distance and type of motion rewritten in an algebraic format to be used to group similar bodies and functions together. Thus allows a designer to build fixtures and G code assembly tool commands to capture efficiencies that might otherwise be missed. After you make an explosion view of assembly , you select RAL and the expression is written out by the Fusion 360 for export or for use in design module at designer’s discretion
Example 1: Simple box with lid and 4 bolts
1 hollow cube -one open end (1Cub) with 4 threaded holes at corners with a lid (with 4 thru holes) and 4 hex head bolts. The 1Cub is stationary (stat), the Lid is offset Zln set distance above the 1Cub and the 4 screws are set further back from the lid in Z direction (which is vertical up and down).
1Cub(stat) + Zln (dis1) lid + 4ZHLX(dis2)Blts = Assembled Box.
Hypothetically what if you had: 4 smaller lids/ 1 box and 16 bolts
Then;
1Cub(stat) + 4(Zln (dis1) smlid + 4ZHLX(dis2)Blts) = Assembled Box.
So what does this tell us?
Both the lid and bolts move in the Z direction: the lid needs robotic placement to be put on top of box. The robotic tooling must place and locate the bolts and feed them into workpiece with helical path (HLX) advancement. The HLX symbol would tell the software it needs tool IE .. ARR-12 screw setting robotic tool to install the bolts.
The power of the algebraic expression can be used for much more complex assemblies than this box example. The nomenclature and expressions are not limited. Multiple bodies moving in the same vector direction create more opportunities to use advanced modular tooling and fixturing and/or same tool to accomplish multiple assembly tasks.
The strong point for this short hand capability is that you can assess if the assembly should be completed with human touch labor or machine. Looking at the expression, it lists out how many bodies and translations that need to be accomplished for the assembly to be completed. Some tooling designs can be even more simplified ( ie. motion offsets ) than first conceptualized saving time and costs.
please submit comments below THX John
