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Procedia Engineering 174 (2017) 456 – 464

13th Global Congress on Manufacturing and Management, GCMM 2016

The Research of System Architecture of Dynamics Modeling

System Based on Virtual Assembly for Integrated Transmission
Liu Feia*, Guang Yunpengb, Lu Yukun c
School of Mechanical and Electrical EngineeringˈHebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei, China. Postal Code: 056038

Abstract

The function characteristics and the realization modes of dynamics modeling based on virtual assembly for integrated
transmission are analyzed. On this basis, the system architecture and analysis process of dynamics modeling system for the
dynamics modeling based on virtual assembly for integrated transmission are proposed. According to the architecture, the system
is divided into the human-computer interaction, functional implementation, core analysis and data supporting layer, and the
complete system architecture is established. The dynamics modeling process is divided into the modeling of multi-attribute parts,
system modeling based on assembly features, dynamics modeling and system implementation stage from the analysis process.
These can provide the systematic, integrated and practical basis for the dynamics modeling and establishment for modeling
platform.
© 2017
© 2016The TheAuthors.
Authors. Published
Published by Elsevier
by Elsevier Ltd. is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
Ltd. This
Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of the 13th Global Congress on Manufacturing and Management.
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of the 13th Global Congress on Manufacturing and Management
Keywords: Virtual assembly; Integrated transmission; Dynamics modeling; System architecture

1. Introduction

System dynamics simulation based on virtual assembly can observe and analyze the operation of fully assembled
system in the virtual environment, it improves design performances and shorten the design cycle by design models,
assembly models and integrated information of system dynamics before the manufacture of physical prototype[1-2].
This provides a method for design optimization of the system. Currently, the process of the dynamics modeling
based on virtual assembly in virtual environment is still at the exploratory stage. There are no complete research

Liu Fei. Tel.: +86-15176057129 ; fax: +0-310-857-7966 .

E-mail address: liufei2007186@163.com

1877-7058 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of the 13th Global Congress on Manufacturing and Management
doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2017.01.166
 Liu Fei et al. / Procedia Engineering 174 (2017) 456 – 464 457

methods, even no more effective definitions and analysis for the system dynamics modeling based on virtual
assembly macroscopically, engineering practically and integrated.
Accordingly, this paper discusses and analyzes those features and functions of system dynamics for integrated
transmission based on virtual assembly. On the basis of above-mentioned conclusions, the system dynamics for
integrated transmission based on virtual assembly has been proposed and the achievement of its process has been
discoursed. These achievements provide the basis for technology researches and construct modeling platform of the
system dynamics for integrated transmission based on virtual assembly systematically, integrally and practically.

2. The function of Integrated Transmission System and Dynamic Modeling based on virtual assembly

2.1. Characteristics

Dynamic modeling based on virtual assembly for integrated transmission is based on the CAD design model of
transmission system. By data conversion and information transform, the creation of system assembly modeling in
virtual environment becomes possible.
According to the relevant information of the assembly models, the data mapping of the assembly characteristic
information to the dynamic model is realized. The simulation analysis about related properties of system dynamics is
implemented by relevant calculation and analysis of the dynamic modeling which is established in the virtual
assembly system. It has four main features:
(1) Virtuality
The basis of model data of the dynamics simulation analysis for integrated transmission based on virtual assembly
is CAD models, but the basis of analysis is the virtual assembly model of the system. Dynamic modeling based on
assembly is the set of virtual assembly technology and dynamic modeling which is completed in virtual world.
(2) Real-time
To achieve real-time simulation and make dynamic modeling for assembled system in virtual environment is the
research purpose of dynamic modeling based on virtual assembly for integrated transmission system. Thus, the
emphasis of dynamic modeling for transmission system based on virtual assembly is the real-time solving of kinetic
models which can truly reflects the operating state of the system. The real-time simulation is an important
requirement of systematic kinetics analysis in virtual environment. Only when the system can guarantee the real-
time analysis, the dynamic modeling for integrated transmission based on virtual assembly can be practicability in
engineering [3].
(3) Interactivity
The feature of HCI (Human Computer Interaction) has been emphasized in the dynamic modeling based on
assembly models in virtual environment. According to the requirements of designers, in the process of assembly
modeling and the dynamics simulation analysis, people can do real-time observation, interactive adjustment and
modification. The characteristic make the model assembly and system simulation and analysis better meet the
requirements of the operator.
(4) Integration
The dynamic modeling for the integrated transmission system based on virtual assembly is used for the integrated
dynamics modeling and simulation analysis, which can realize the integration of the design models, assembly
modeling and dynamics simulation. In the same time, it also converses and transfers available information of CAD
models, assembly feature models and dynamic models.

2.2. Realization Mode of Dynamic Modeling System

According to the characteristics of dynamic modeling based on the virtual assembly for integrated transmission
and the different requirements of input and output devices, the realization pattern of dynamic modeling based on
virtual assembly in fictitious environment mainly includes these four following points:
(1) Desktop mode
Computer is the mainly application equipment in the desktop mode. It gives dynamics simulation analysis of the
system through basic external equipment and the established simulation system which can finish the process of
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assembly feature modeling and dynamic modeling. Desktop mode is lack of basic virtual reality and immersion in
the virtual environment, so it is difficult to achieve effective observation and modeling of the operation state of the
system. Especially for the integrated transmission system which has complex structures, designers cannot analyze
and correct in the process of assembly modeling. But it is easy to realize the interworking of parts. Compare with
interactive mode, desktop mode is more simple and easy to implement the system assembly and other basic
processes [4].
(2) Interactive mode
Operating equipment and projection equipment are used for interactive mode which makes the process of
assembly feature modeling, dynamic modeling and simulation analysis all carried out in immersive virtual
environment. Interactive mode achieves the simulation analysis of the process of system assembly and dynamics.
Interactive devices, projection equipment, optical tracking devices can be used in this mode, but interactive
equipment and simulation analysis system need to establish the development interface and other interactive devices
like force feedback equipment. The operation is complex and the whole interactive assembly of complex systems is
time-consuming, and is also affected by the precision of tracking equipment. In the existing technical conditions, it
is difficult to fully achieve the accurate operation of assembly modeling.
(3) Enhanced mode
Augmented reality is used for enhanced mode. The image of virtual parts and real parts are overlay by
transmission HMD, then the virtual parts assembly in the image of physical parts by virtual fusion technology [5].
At present, the enhanced implementation mode is only suitable for the assembly of simple parts, and the dynamic
modeling and simulation analysis of the virtual environment is not yet finished.
(4) Collaborative mode
Collaborative mode is calculated by high-speed computer system and modern network function, connecting
functional environments which located in different departments by network system can let people share the process
of assembly modeling and the information of simulation, so that different designers from different departments can
achieve collaborative design work. Due to the high costs and the difficulties to create an environment of
collaborative hardware, and the limit of the information system of the collaborative mode, so it is seldom used in
practical engineering and it is difficult to achieve practical engineering applications.
In summary, combined with the practical application of engineering, based on the practical application and
integration, the integrated simulation system based on virtual assembly is proposed to realize the dynamic modeling
for integrated transmission system based on virtual assembly. The schematic diagram of the visual simulation
system in the laboratory is shown in Figure. 1.

Figure.1 The system composition diagram of visual simulation platform

 Liu Fei et al. / Procedia Engineering 174 (2017) 456 – 464 459

Integrated implementation mode is based on the desktop mode and interactive mode; it makes the assembly
feature modeling, dynamic modeling and simulation analysis for the integrated transmission system realized.
In the conversion and the establishment of model design and virtual model assembly and the process of dynamic
modeling, integrated implementation mode fully uses the features of desktop mode which do not need to develop
interface program and do not affected by present interaction equipment or tracking device. This model achieves
simplicity, fast information transfer, the creation of assembly model and the system dynamics of mathematical
model which is based on assembly model.
The characters of interactive have been used which can observe, correct parts and operate interaction with the
basic technology of visual simulation system to do real-time interactive, operation and analysis in the process of
assembly model. In the dynamic simulation analysis, simulation and analysis of the interactive mode of real-time
interactive operation for typical integrated transmission system in virtual environment, with immersion interactive, it
achieves real-time observe and analyze of system operation.

2.3. The structure and function of VTDM-VA

Vehicle transmission dynamics modeling based on virtual assembly is an integrated system. In VTDM-VA
(Vehicle Transmission Dynamics Modeling Based on Virtual Assembly), assembly design results can be analyzed
and interactive adjusted by designers. Furthermore, people can also simulate the process of assembly modeling by
basic input devices and analyzing operating state of integrated transmission interactively and timely in immersive
virtual environment. In detail, there are seven mainly functions of VTDM-VA:
(1) Interactive analysis environment
From constructing integrated simulation system, assembly layout of HCI and dynamics simulate analysis are
supported by basic equipment. On the basis of visual simulation system, the render of system assembly model and
real-time display of system operation can be achieved in virtual environment.
(2) Effective management of information data
By doing an effective management of information data, extract and transfer design model information of vehicle
transmission system and store and share the information of assembly feature modeling can be realized. In the
process of assembly feature modeling and dynamics modeling, people can build perfect assembly models dynamics
models by mapping relevant information. To realize effective messages transfer, relevant information which are
obtained from info conversion, assembly feature modeling, dynamics modeling when people designing models
should be managed effectively.
(3) Integration with CAD models
Integrated transmission based on CAD design is an important application of model design. Thus, it is a basic
function that VTDM-VA and CAD models of integrated transmission system are imploded. The basis of assembly
model information of dynamics simulation analysis for integrated transmission based on virtual assembly is model
design, its geometry, constraint, design and physical information of assembly model and dynamics simulation
analysis realize effective integration of simulation system and design system by integrate process like secondary
development and build model repository of design software system and intermediate converse information.
(4) Modeling of the dynamics simulation analysis
Compare with the demand of information in technology research of virtual assembly in the range of pure
manufacture, the information that need for simulation analysis of system dynamics based on virtual assembly is not
only basic property information like geometry, topology, hierarchy and constraint information of parts, but also the
messages of dynamics modeling like physical, behavior, design information of parts. VTDM-VA achieves multi-
attribute part modeling by various methods and processes, such as hierarchical associated characterization of multi-
attribute parts in virtual environment, build and transfer the information of virtual assembly multi-attribute parts in
the range of dynamic simulation, construct virtual scene and set up model repository, etc.
(5) Modeling of assembly features of integrated transmission
Assembly modeling is the basis of dynamics simulation analysis for integrated transmission in virtual
environment. The feature of parts is the information collection about descripting parts which can increase
significances of engineering design of part solid geometry. Assembly modeling exposits in this paper is based on
assembly feature analysis. System assembly modeling based on assembly characteristics which makes feature
460 Liu Fei et al. / Procedia Engineering 174 (2017) 456 – 464

information of parts be fully used and provides constraint identification information for accurate locating and supply
engineering design information which can coordinate characteristic parameters for dynamics accurate modeling.
These features mentioned above meet the demands of data mapping for dynamics modeling based on virtual
assembly. Simulation analysis system based on virtual assembly builds assembly models through kinds of ways and
process like integration realization model, detection analysis of part collision which based on assembly modeling in
virtual environment, characterization and identification of parts assembly features, position analysis of parts, data
transfer of model repository, etc.
(6) Analyzing dynamics modeling for integrated transmission
VTDM-VA is on the base of assembly feature modeling about multi-body dynamics and graphic dynamics,
constraint freedom analysis and constrained degree of freedom for assembly feature, mapping of kinematic pair,
dynamic modeling and real-time solution, combine with visual simulation system, Graphics rendering engine and
physics engine, to achieve virtual dynamics modeling for integrated transmission and real-time interactive
simulation analysis.
(7) Integrate with other systems
VTDM-VA is the integration of virtual assembly technology, virtual dynamics transmission and real-time
simulation system, graphics. Thus, VTDM-VA can integrate information effectively through combining of Graphics
rendering engine and physics engine.

3. Structures of Dynamics Modeling

According to summarizing Implementation Patterns and functions of VTDM-VA, this paper presents the
establishment of structures about dynamics modeling based on virtual assembly for integrated transmission like
Figure 2 shows. Modeling system mainly formed by four components: HCI layer, function implementation, core
analysis and data support.
Graphic user interface
interactive layer
Secondary development 3D mouse stereo glasses Sound projection instrument
Pro/E Virtools
program Data glove motion tracker speech display/screen

Software environment Hardware equipment

fuNction implementation layer

scene setting and scene setting and

management management output
core Analysis and

assembly sequence

assembly path

assembly sequence assembly path Interference checking assembly process

interference reports
planning planning for running state simulation

assembling cartoon

assembly information
model

information database of
data layer

assembly model
information database database of database of database of virtual
of parts constraint relation environmental resources assembly feature
data exchange interface

overall design input

Figure.2 The structural diagram of VTDM-VA

(1) HCI
HCI achieves the information exchange among design staffs and systems. It also defines the interface between
them. It inputs system parameters, do operational control and immersive analysis through interactive devices, like
mouse, keyboard and data glove. After dealing with relevant information, simulation system shows feedbacks to
designers by displayer or projector. HCI layer transmit design ideas to the next component named function
implementation through interactive devices. At the same time, it reveals stress-related outcomes made by function
implementation layer to designer by human-computer interface.
(2) The Function implementation
 Liu Fei et al. / Procedia Engineering 174 (2017) 456 – 464 461

The function implementation layer is the application part of the system and can be used by designer directly. It
mainly formed by characterization of multi-attribute part information model, transfer and build parts information,
establish info model of multi-attribute parts for integrated transmission, characterize and recognize assembly
constraints, locate parts precisely, assembly modeling for integrated transmission, dynamics modeling based on
assembly models, solving dynamics models, dynamics simulation of canonic system in virtual environment, etc.
Multi-attribute part information model is shown by hierarchical of parts information which is divided into parts,
feature, geometry, presentation layer to achieve relevant representation; In order to transfer and build model
information, different pattern designing information is treated with various methods and technology through
secondary development of CAD, using intermediate files and building model data base; To make models of multiple
attribute part information for integrated transmission which faces to virtual assembly of multi-attribute parts
information for dynamics simulation has been built through transfer model information, build virtual scenes and
model information database.
(3) Core analysis
The core analysis layer provides basic methods and technical supports for the functional implementation layer,
which is the key part of the system. It mainly contains: the information conversion of geometry and topology, the
information extraction for constraint and hierarchical structure, establishment of physical and behavioral attribute
information, virtual scene modeling, building model repository, analyzing the modeling process of multi-attribute
parts and assembly modeling for integrated transmission, collision detection algorithm based on parts assembly
feature, the characterization and recognition of parts assembly feature constraint in virtual environment, parts
position solving based on assembly feature constraint, analysis of part constraint DOF based on assembly feature
constraint, the mapping of assembly feature constraint and kinetic pairs, mathematical representation of system
kinetic pairǃmathematical modeling of system dynamics, solving system dynamics models in virtual environment,
real-time interactive simulation analysis based on visual simulation system, realizing the functional module of
simulation system.
The geometry and topology information conversion, constraint and hierarchical structure information extraction,
establishment of physical and behavioral attribute information provide basic information for the system mainly
through secondary development for interface function of CAD, embedded model information technology, the
transformation and establishment of multi attribute information in virtual environment to parts design model
information have been achieved by modeling methods and techniques of physical attributes and behavioral attributes
in virtual environment. The assembly feature modeling process of integrated transmission system in virtual
environment is mainly formed by accurate collision detection based on assembly feature parts and representation
and recognition of parts assembly feature constraint, the precise positioning, analyzing on the degree of freedom of
assembly feature constraint. Building assembly feature models of integrated transmission system in virtual
environment provides accurate information for system dynamics modeling. System dynamics modeling based on
assembly modeling is on the base of assembly models and information database.
(4) Data support
Data support layer is used to access, query and manage the information of VTDM-VA system, which provides
data support for the core analysis layer. It is the information basis of the system model which mainly includes design
model information, multi-attribute parts information, interaction information and dynamic modeling information.
The basic parameter information is the main part of design model information. Multi-attribute parts information
is based on the design model information, through conversing and extracting the information and information input
to achieve the layer establishment of multi-attribute parts information. The information of interactive process is the
assembly feature information which is built in feature modeling and assembly feature constraint information;
Dynamic model information refers to the information of system movement pair, the dynamic simulation analysis
and so on.

4. Analyze the process of dynamics modeling based on virtual assembly for integrated transmission

The study intent of dynamics modeling for integrated transmission based on virtual assembly is fully apply CAD
modeling and immersion effects in interactive analyze environment. Realizing system assembly modeling, dynamics
modeling and its simulation analysis in virtual environment improves the design efficiency and provides effective
462 Liu Fei et al. / Procedia Engineering 174 (2017) 456 – 464

methods and technology for designer in the design process about system design, assembly design and forecast
analysis of system dynamic performance after assembly.
The flow diagram of dynamics modeling based on virtual assembly for integrated transmission shows in Figure 3.
According to the system research content, it mainly includes four phases, multi-attribute parts modeling, assembly
feature modeling, dynamic modeling and the implementation of simulation system.
(1) Multi-attribute parts modelling
Multiple attribute parts modeling is the basic phase of the modeling information of system assembly feature
modeling and dynamics modeling. First of all, designers classify model information of integrate transmission design
model of 3D CAD model. Using different methods to extract and transfer parts model information in CAD system,
according to the analysis of virtual assembly parts attribute information which face to dynamic simulation. The
CAD model information has been divided into geometry information, topology information, hierarchy, matching
constraint information and physical attribute information. Through different ways to make CAD model information
transit to the assembly feature modeling environment, combining with multi-attribute part information hierarchical
association representation model to realize the integration of the information and getting the requisite model data of
multiple attribute parts modeling for integrated transmission. Then through physical properties, the establishment of
the attribute information database, building model database and virtual sense in virtual environment, multi-attribute
parts model for dynamic simulation can be built, its provides exact basic information for assembly modeling and
dynamic simulation.
Modeling of CAD

1 Modeling of
multi-attribute parts

2 Modeling of assembly features

3 Modeling of dynamics

ªv1 º ª p1 º
«v » « »
« 2 » W « p2 »  q
«... » « ... »
« » « »
¬vn ¼ ¬ pn ¼

4 Realizing of system

Figure.3 The analysis flow of VTDM-VA

(2) Assembly feature modelling

The stage of assembly feature modeling is to realize the assembly characteristic modeling of integrated
transmission system in virtual environment. In this process, through analyzing the procedure of assembly feature
modeling for integrated transmission, the modeling process has been determined. Through collision detection
analysis, representation and recognition of assembly feature constraints, precise positioning parts solution, to realize
assembly feature modeling. The assembly feature modeling provides information assurance for dynamic simulation
in virtual environment, so in the phase of assembly feature modeling, designers do detailed analysis about part
constraint DOF and mathematic representation of DOF in assembly feature constraint and analyze its motion state.
These provide analysis fundamentals for building kinematic pair in dynamics modeling.
(3) Dynamic modeling
 Liu Fei et al. / Procedia Engineering 174 (2017) 456 – 464 463

The dynamic modeling stage is based on the assembly feature modeling of integrated transmission, it realizes the
integrated transmission system modeling in the virtual environment and real-time analysis.
Through constraints assembly features and mapping kinematic pairs, theory of kinetic modeling of integrated
transmissionˈsystem dynamic modeling has been realized. By solving dynamic models and combining multi-body
dynamics and its real-time solution can achieve real-time simulation analysis for typical system in virtual
environment by.
(4)The implementation of simulation system
The implementation phase of the system is based on the visual simulation system. Through function model
design, building multi-attribute parts modeling, Collision detection analysis, assembly feature modeling, dynamics
modeling, dynamic real-time simulation analysis, combining with system development platform, the prototype
system of dynamic modeling for integrated transmission based on virtual assembly can be built.

5. Examples of system implementations

According to functions of system structure, real-time interactive simulation based on assembly model for gear
system of integrated has been described in this essay.
Figure 4 shows dynamics models of gear shaft of integrated transmission in virtual simulation system.
As Figure 5 presents, dynamics simulation based on assembly modeling in visual simulation system can do real-
time observe and analyze operating condition and output simulation results.

Figure.4 The dynamics real time simulation of geared rotor system

Figure.5 The related analysis for dynamics in the VTDM-VA

464 Liu Fei et al. / Procedia Engineering 174 (2017) 456 – 464

6. Conclusion

The research point of this essay is dynamics modeling based on virtual assembly for integrated transmission
which has some features like virtuality, real-time, interactivity and integration. Through the analysis of desktop,
interactive, enhanced and collaborative, integrated implementation patterns of dynamics modeling for integrated
transmission which comprehensive applies desktop and interactivity has been submitted and give analysis to the
working process of integrated implementation mode. Detailed analysis about system functions of dynamics
modeling system based on virtual assembly for integrated transmission has been provided through interactive
analysis environment, the effective management of information data, integration with CAD models, supporting
multi-attribute parts modeling for dynamics simulation analysis, realizing assembly feature modeling and dynamics
modeling and real-time analysis for integrated transmission.
According to the summary about Implementation Patterns, functional analysis and research contents of the
system, the architecture of dynamics modeling based on virtual assembly for integrated transmission with HCI,
functionality, core analysis and building and data support layer.

Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the Project of Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province (No. E2016402066) ,
Educational Commission of Hubei Province of China(No: QN2015159) and Science and Technology Research and
Development Program of Handan of China(No:1521102057).

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