A Conceptual Design Tool Based on Innovative Haptic Interfaces

The paper presents the results of a research project aiming at developing an innovative framework for conceptual design of products based on innovative haptic interfaces. The framework consists of a CAD (Computer Aided Design) system enhanced with intuitive designer-oriented interaction tools and modalities. The system integrates innovative 6 degrees of freedom haptic tools for modeling digital shapes, with sweep operators applied to class-A surfaces and force computation models based on chip formation models. The system aims at exploiting designers’ skills in modeling products, improving the products design process by reducing the necessity to build several physical models for evaluating and testing the product designs. The system requirements have been defined after observing designers during their daily work and translating the way they model shapes using hands and craft tools into specifications for the modeling system and the haptic tool. The system prototype has been tested by designers who have found it intuitive and effective to use.