Collaborative design in product development based on product layout model

This paper introduces the concept of the PLF (Product Layout Feature), including descriptions of GDEs (Geometric Datum Elements) and engineering symbols, as well as the method of how to define them, and provides a solution to the problems of PLF modeling. As a result of the solution, collaborative design activities among multi-teams from different disciplines can be consistently carried out on PLF models in the PDM environment. It resolves the tough problem of consistently maintaining a product scheme to prevent defects arising from inconsistent general design data or incorrect versions of the layout scheme existing within the schemes of downstream design. By using the principles of the given method and utilizing previous research projects, a prototype system is developed to support collaborative design based on the PLF model in complicated product design.