A pragmatic system to support interactive modular fixture configuration design in desktop virtual environment

Modular fixture configuration design is a complicated task requiring both intensive knowledge and experience. Automated or semi-automated computer aided modular fixture systems based on CAD packages do not appear to have made a significant impact within the manufacturing industry. Modular fixture designers still prefer traditional systems such as paper or physical model; as such models provide a more intuitive interaction and immediate feedback. In this paper, a novel virtual reality (VR)-based system for interactive modular fixture configuration design is presented. A multi-view based modular fixture assembly model is presented, which is convenient for information representation and management. In addition, the suggested strategy is both compatible with the principles of virtual environment, and can make easy the reutilize of element model. Finally, a fixture configuration design example is given to illustrate the application and effectiveness of the presented method.