A method of categorization and organization for 3D model-based design knowledge

3D models have been playing an important role in product design and manufacturing process in modern enterprises. MBD (Model-based Definition) technology enables 3D models to include various manufacturing information, which results in eliminating 2D engineering drawings. Full Tree-dimensional technology must be the developing trend of future enterprises. At the present, 3D models, however, only include product result information and are devoid of appropriate explanation, which is product design knowledge, for these result information. Existing methods for linking product models and design knowledge together are focusing on rule-based design knowledge representation and application, which shortens the applying range. A is proposed here to categorize and organize 3D model based design knowledge. This approach divides 3D model design knowledge into five categories, which are organized according four hierarchies including knowledge element, knowledge item, knowledge package and knowledge set. In the end, an application system framework is presented and has been realized on the UG development platform.