A Study on an Integrated Modeling Environment for Design: A Proposal of the Pluggable Metamodel Mechanism

Abstract

In this study, we propose a framework of an integrated modeling environment for design. Since a mechanical engineering design process requires various kinds of design object models, such as a geometric model, a kinematic model, and a finite element model, this environment should maintain consistency among these models. Furthermore, commercial design tools are practically used in design processes, and these must be integrated as well. For dealing with multiple design object models, we have formalized a concept called a metamodel. A metamodel is a model which represents relationships among concepts used in various design object models. This paper proposes a framework of the pluggable metamodel mechanism that allows to plug in existing design tools, to support a modeling on it, and to maintain consistency among them. We describe a prototype system and illustrate an example of ball screw design.