State of the art computer aided design (CAD) systems offer a wide range of possibilities, not only in the common field of mechanical design, but also in terms of knowledge re-utilization as well as the implementation of analysis procedures and automated routines. An important factor for successful product development is the optimized interaction between the design process itself and simultaneously performed operations based on efficient computer aided methods and strategies. The present publication introduces and discusses advanced methods for the creation of integrated virtual product development processes by implementation of knowledge-based design strategies, product-specific simulation procedures and automated routines into a comprehensive virtual product model within the CAD environment. 902 important factor of success. In virtual development, the product model is displayed in different ways to account for the product structure list, the conceptual cost structure, weight-and mass lists, finite element meshes, styling models and of course a three dimensional-(3D-) CAD model structure. All of these representations of a product model serve for specific fields of development and are generated and maintained in different departments. In most common development processes, these subareas are treated more or less separately and the data transfer between the disciplines is focused on the tasks in each area. In case of complex products, this procedure can lead to an opaque development, which has to be monitored carefully and with a significant organizational effort. 909 are saved in predefined folders. Based on the automated functionality, a big number of sections can be created with a low charge of manpower, e.g. as autonomous overnight-work package. AssembliesThe assembling of components in 3D-CAD is carried out in a specific assembly-design environment. The product structure contains links to individual components and their relations to each other. An assembly-oriented design strategy enables an easy examination of component positions and collisions; therefore, the entire product can be divided into several sub-assemblies. As an example, a sub-assembly of an automotive full-vehicle DMU can represent the body, including all movable and fixed parts. The sub-assembly of the automotive body itself consists of several sub-assemblies (e.g. components of automotive body-in-white structures, such as side panel modules, the roof module, doors and several other products and parts). Stripping down complex structures into sub-assemblies consisting of multiple components provides a basis for simultaneous design processes that take functional and space requirements into account.

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