A Method for Integrating Form Errors Into Geometric Tolerance Analysis

In this research, we describe a computer-aided approach to geometric tolerance analysis for assemblies and mechanisms. A series of as-manufactured component models are generated within a NURBS-based solid modeling environment. These models reflect errors in component geometry that are characteristic of the manufacturing processes used to produce the components. The effects of different manufacturing process errors on product function are tested by simulating the assembly of imperfect-form component models and by measuring geometric attributes of the assembly that correspond to product functionality. A tolerance analysis model is constructed by generating and testing component variants that represent different manufacturing precision levels. The application of this approach to tolerance analysis is demonstrated using a case study that is based on a high-speed stapling mechanism.