ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the top–down design paradigm, which is different from the bottom–up approach. It presents a new method is introduced for designing molds based on the top–down paradigm. The top–down approach is useful when parts are being added to an existing assembly. The examples included in the chapter cover the addition of parts to an existing assembly and where start from a layout and then design the individual components in turn. The top–down design approach is a conceptual approach that is used to develop products from within the assembly. The concept is applied to the design of a cabinet containing electronic parts, as well as to the design of a seal from a lid. Generally, there are two ways in which the top–down design approach could be implemented: designing from layout or designing from part outline. The layout of the CABINET involves sketching its two-dimensional profile and dimensioning it.
