Automatic Generation of Tolerance Chains from Mating Relations Represented in Assembly Models

This paper presents an algorithm for generating tolerance chains from the mating relations between components of assemblies. The algorithm is developed upon a feature-based assembly modeling strategy that represents each component in close relation to its mating features, dimensions, and tolerances. The mating relations within an assembly are described by a mating graph. Tolerance chains together with their dimensions and tolerances are generated automatically by searching through a mating graph for matching mating features. A prototype program package based on the presented algorithm has been developed, and several examples of various complexity have been tested with success.