The Design of Shape from Motion Constraints
Abstract
The function performed by many objects can be expressed in terms of the constraints they impose on the motions of other objects. Cam shafts, gears, fixtures, wrenches and doorknobs are all examples of a class of objects whose shapes are designed to interact in ways that constrain their relative motion. This report examines an approach to the analysis and design of functional shape interactions represented as motion constraints. In this approach, a graphical representation for motion constraints is used as the basis for visualizing and reasoning about the function derived from shape. This representation also serves as an environment for the interactive design of functional shapes. Specifically, we utilize the configuration space representation to make explicit the motion constraints imposed by the shapes of interacting objects. We have developed a set of computational tools that permits these motion constraints to be displayed and directly manipulated by a designer in order to achieve desired functional properties. During this manipulation process, all motion constraint modifications are mapped back-continuously into shape modifications to ensure the consistency between the constraints and shape. The representations and tools developed in the research have been applied to the visualization, analysis, and design of a set of orienting, fixturing and assembly devices for the automated assembly of planar parts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA270840
Entities
People
- Michael E. Caine
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology