Abstract: To meet requirements of intelligent design of product layout, a novel approach is put forward on the basis of analyzing product structure layout constraints. The methodology is defined as a fusion model constructed through a position graph and a performance model. The performance model is a mapping among product function requirements model, movement allocation model and simplified module structure; the product topological layout structure is described by a lower body array. A position graph is used to illustrate the relation as location, order and adjacency of product module spatial layout structure, and also to assemble the layout structure. Product layout design system is developed by using VC.net 2003 under the Pro/E platform, as an example, the layout design of NC machine tools proves the applicability and effectiveness of the method.

Key words: Layout design, Lower body array, Performance, Position graph