Features - Semantic Objects for the Integration of Tasks in the Product Development Process

For the integration of the tasks to be mastered within the development process it is necessary to take account of non-geometrical information, from product design to manufacturing process, alongside geometrical design shape. The introduction of objects as carriers of semantic information leads to the use of features. In the present contribution, a concept and its realization are described that facilitate a flexible definition and computer-internal representation as well as the interpretation of features as semantically endowed objects. Based on the feature model, approaches are introduced for the support of product development with the partial tasks conception, design, integrated planning of manufacture and quality assurance.