Algorithm for workpiece locating design

This paper proposed a novel approach for part locating design. A fixture feature recognition algorithm is presented. With the algorithm, the fixture feature could be extracted from 3D part model. A novel reasoning algorithm by hybrid using of RBR and fuzzy evaluation method for locating design is proposed. It finds the search scope with RBR and optimal select the locating surfaces with fuzzy evaluation judgment and generates the feasible locating solution. A prototype is developed for verification of proposed algorithm. A case study is provided to show how the proposed algorithms work.