Method of evaluating products using a virtual environment

摘要

A method of evaluating a product for use on a body used to develop a preferred product configuration using a computer-based virtual product development and testing system. A virtual product sub-model is created of a product for use on the body. An environment sub-model is generated so that environmental factors affecting the product are also used in evaluating the product. Instructions defining how the product sub-model and the environment sub-model interact are introduced in an interaction model. The sub-models and the interaction defined by the interaction model are then combined to create a virtual use model simulating the use of the virtual product sub-model. The use model determines the forces, deformations and stresses caused by movement and interaction between components of the virtual product sub-model using numerical method analysis. The results of the use model are analyzed to evaluate the performance of product features embodied in the virtual product sub-model such as when exposed to typical movements or forces. The analysis evaluates the performance of at least one product feature of the product.