Research of complex product assembly path planning in virtual assembly

Based on the analysis of basic workflow in assembly path planning, the key technologies of assembly path planning in virtual assembly were pointed out. Then an optimized method for assembly path record based on effective sampling points was introduced. The method of how to control virtual object's 3D movement in the virtual environment based on its geometry constraints was established. In order to solve components' exact placement problem in virtual environment, a mixed method was proposed and this method was made up of geometry constraint recognition algorithm, human-computer interactive geometry constraint define and direct position constraint algorithm. Relation algorithms have been verified in the self-developed system named virtual assembly process planning(VAPP) system, and this VAPP system has been applied in assembly process planning of aerospace-related products.