1. Sharing Manufacturing Information in Virtual Enterprises.
- Author
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Hardwick, Martin, Spooner, David L., Rando, Tom, and Morris, K. C.
- Subjects
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ASSISTIVE technology , *INDUSTRIAL design , *MANUFACTURING processes , *COMMERCIAL products , *SYSTEM integration , *RAPID prototyping , *QUALITY assurance - Abstract
The article focuses on customized design and manufacture of rehabilitation aids for individuals with physical disabilities, e.g., prosthetic devices such as artificial limbs and orthoses. The essential components necessary for the computer integrated manufacture of low volume customized products is presented. Authors also briefly described some of the open research problems in areas of data acquisition, virtual and physical prototyping and systems integration. The considerable variability in performance and function across individuals results in a critical need to design tools that are specific to a person's needs. Furthermore, biological changes occur over time, and it may be necessary to allow for adjustments and maintenance or to rapidly redesign and manufacture a new product. Regardless of the specific product class, the first important step in the production of a customized product is the quantitative assessment of the needs of the individual. This involves the acquisition of the geometric, kinematics, dynamic, and physiological information about the individual that is necessary for developing design specifications and for detailed design. INSETS: Development of the STEP Standard.;Using the Information Infrastructure.;Relationship Between the STEP and OMG Standards..
- Published
- 1996
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