Design structure products

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to designing structural products. An apparatus for designing structural products is provided. The apparatus accesses a computer-aided design (CAD) model that represents a first design of a structural product by a first geometric shape, and accesses a finite element method (FEM) model that represents a second design of the structural product by a mesh of elements arranged in a second geometric shape. The apparatus performs a comparison of the CAD model and the FEM model to determine the similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and generates a final FEM model based on the similarity and the model represents the first design of the structural product. The apparatus performs finite element analysis on the final FEM model and performs a classical analysis to evaluate the first design of the structural product, generates an output based on the classical analysis, and displays the output to facilitate the design of the structural product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to designing structural products, and more particularly to designing structural products using a combination of finite element analysis and classical analysis. Background Art

[0002] Finite element analysis can be used and supplemented with classical methods to perform structural analysis to facilitate the design of structural products. Existing solutions for structural analysis of structural products require a lot of manual work to create a finite element method (FEM) model from a computer-aided design (CAD) model, decompose the complex CAD model into individual components, and analyze and post-process the data. For example, the manual meshing process of a single CAD component to create a FEM model can take weeks. Moreover, the manual extraction of loads from the FEM model can be error-prone and time-consuming.

[0003] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system and method that takes into account at least some of the issues discussed above as well as other possible issues. Summary of the invention

[0004] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to design structural products using finite element analysis. Example embodiments may access a computer-aided design (CAD) model that represents a first design of a structural product by a first geometric shape, and access a finite element method (FEM) model that represents a second design of a structural product by an element mesh arranged in a second geometric shape. Example embodiments may perform a comparison of the CAD model and the FEM model to determine the similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape. Example embodiments may generate a final FEM model based on the similarity, and represent the first design of the structural product by other element meshes arranged in the first geometric shape. Example embodiments may perform finite element analysis on the final FEM model to evaluate the first design of the structural product, generate output loads based on the finite element analysis, evaluate the output loads using a classical method, and display the output dimensional results to facilitate the design of the structural product.

[0005] Example embodiments may provide multiple advantages over existing solutions. For example, CAD to FEM data exchange is a highly manual and repetitive process that often results in significant data loss. Example embodiments may prevent data loss by transferring large amounts of CAD data to help streamline downstream analysis. Similarly, parametric CAD model changes often require significant FEM model changes. Example embodiments may utilize parametric mesh deformations that deform the current mesh into a new geometry. Parametric mesh deformations may significantly reduce the time required for structural analysis. Additionally, finite element analysis may present challenges for post-processing and visualization of data involving multiple load cases and critical failure areas. Example embodiments may incorporate an adaptive visualization scheme that maps classical analysis results and loads data into a CAD model to enable effective visualization of analysis results.

[0006] Accordingly, the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following example embodiments.

[0007] Some example embodiments provide a method for designing a structural product, the method comprising: accessing a computer-aided design (CAD) model that represents a first design of the structural product through a first geometric shape; accessing a finite element method (FEM) model that represents a second design of the structural product through an element mesh arranged in a second geometric shape; performing a comparison of the CAD model and the FEM model to determine similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape; generating a final FEM model based on the similarity and representing the first design of the structural product through other element meshes arranged in the first geometric shape; performing finite element analysis on the final FEM model to extract loads from the FEM model, and performing classical analysis to evaluate the first design of the structural product; generating output based on the classical analysis; and displaying the output to facilitate design of the structural product.

[0008] In some example embodiments of the method of any preceding example embodiment, or any combination of the preceding example embodiments, performing the comparison includes performing the comparison to determine at least a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and generating the final FEM model includes performing mesh deformation to modify a mesh of the FEM model to generate a deformed mesh corresponding to the other mesh, and whereby the final FEM model represents the first design of the structural product.

[0009] In some example embodiments of the method of any preceding example embodiment, or any combination of the preceding example embodiments, performing the comparison includes performing the comparison to determine less than a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and wherein generating the final FEM model includes: decomposing the CAD model into components corresponding to a plurality of components of the structural product; generating corresponding FEM models for the components and thus for the plurality of components; and assembling the corresponding FEM models with one or more connectors to generate the final FEM model.

[0010] In some example embodiments of the method of any preceding example embodiment, or any combination of the preceding example embodiments, decomposing the CAD model includes classifying the components into respective categories based on features of the components, and generating the respective FEM models includes generating the respective FEM models based on the respective categories of the components.

[0011] In some example embodiments of the method of any preceding example embodiment, or any combination of the preceding example embodiments, the method further comprises performing classical analysis on the corresponding FEM model to verify the plurality of components, and generating the output comprises generating the output based on the finite element analysis and the classical analysis.

[0012] In some example embodiments of the method of any preceding example embodiment, or any combination of the preceding example embodiments, the output includes a safety margin of the first design of the structural product, and displaying the output includes displaying a visual representation of the safety margin on the CAD model.

[0013] In some example embodiments of the method of any preceding example embodiment, or any combination of the preceding example embodiments, the structural product includes one or more interior commodities for an aircraft, and displaying the output to facilitate design of the structural product includes displaying the output to facilitate design of the one or more interior commodities.

[0014] Some example embodiments provide a device for designing a structural product, wherein the device comprises a processor and a memory storing executable instructions, wherein the executable instructions, in response to being executed by the processor, cause the device to at least perform the method of any previous example embodiment or any combination of any previous example embodiment.

[0015] Some example embodiments provide a computer-readable storage medium for designing a structural product. The computer-readable storage medium is non-transitory and has a computer-readable program code stored therein, which, in response to execution by a processor, causes a device to at least perform the method of any of the foregoing example embodiments or any combination thereof.

[0016] By reading the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings briefly described below, these and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in the present disclosure, regardless of whether these features or elements are clearly combined or otherwise narrated in the specific example embodiments described herein. It is intended to understand the present disclosure as a whole so that in any aspect and example embodiment of the present disclosure, any separable feature or element of the present disclosure should be considered combinable unless the context of the present disclosure clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] Therefore, it will be understood that this brief content is provided only for the purpose of summarizing some example embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be recognized that the above-mentioned example embodiments are only examples and should not be interpreted as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. Other example embodiments, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate by way of example the principles of some of the described example embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Having thus described example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0019] Figure 1 A system for designing a structural product according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for designing a structural product according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 shows a geometric decomposition of a computer-aided design (CAD) model into a component according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C illustrates a decomposition rule used in geometric decomposition according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates the generation of a finite element method (FEM) model for a component according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6 shows a load decomposition algorithm according to an example implementation of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 7 shows the mapping of classical analysis results to CAD models according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 8 shows a visual representation of a classical analysis result on a CAD model according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating various operations in a method of designing a structural product according to various example embodiments; and

[0028] Fig.10 illustrates an apparatus according to some example embodiments; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In fact, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; on the contrary, these example embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. For example, unless otherwise stated, references to first, second, etc. should not be interpreted as implying a particular order. Similarly, certain things may be described as being above other things (unless otherwise stated), but may be below them, or vice versa; similarly, things described as being on the left side of other things may be on the right side, or vice versa. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0030] Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to designing structural products, and more particularly to designing structural products using finite element analysis.

[0031] Figure 1 A system 100 for designing a structural product according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, such as reference Fig.10 As described in more detail, the system may be implemented by an apparatus for designing structural products. The example embodiments will be primarily described in the context of designing an aircraft or other vehicle or system, or a component or part thereof. In the case of an aircraft in particular, the example embodiments may be applied to designing one or more interior goods for the aircraft, such as closets, luggage racks, crew rest areas, etc. It should be understood that the example embodiments may be applied to the design of many other structural products.

[0032] The system 100 includes any one of a plurality of different subsystems (each a separate system) for performing one or more functions or operations. As shown, in some examples, the system includes one or more of each of a data access module 101, a similarity comparator 102, a model generator 103, a structure analyzer 104, and a display device 105. The subsystems may collaborate or the subsystems may be directly coupled to each other, or in some examples, the individual subsystems in the subsystems may communicate with each other via one or more computer networks. In addition, although shown as part of the system, it should be understood that any one or more of the data access module, the similarity comparator, the model generator, the structure analyzer, and the display device may be run or operated as a separate system without regard to any other subsystem. It should also be understood that the system may include one or more subsystems other than the data access module. Figure 1 Additional or alternative subsystems to those shown.

[0033] In some examples, the data access module 101 is configured to access a computer-aided design (CAD) model and a finite element method (FEM) model, the computer-aided design model representing a first design of a structural product by a first geometric shape, and the finite element method model representing a second design of a structural product by an element grid arranged in a second geometric shape. A customer may provide a CAD model indicating a first design of a structural product required by the customer. The second design may be an available design represented by a FEM model in a database. In this regard, the CAD model and the FEM model may be stored in the same or different databases, so that the data access module may access the CAD model from the database.

[0034] To perform structural analysis on the CAD model, in some examples, the similarity comparator 102 is configured to perform a comparison of the CAD model and the FEM model to determine the similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape. For example, the similarity comparator can compare the shape and / or size between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape to determine the similarity.

[0035] In some examples, after determining the similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, the model generator 103 is configured to generate a final FEM model based on the similarity. The final FEM model represents the first design of the structural product through other element meshes arranged in the first geometric shape.

[0036] In some examples where the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape have at least a threshold similarity, the model generator 103 is configured to perform mesh deformation to modify the mesh of the FEM model to generate a deformed mesh. The deformed mesh corresponds to the other mesh, and thus the final FEM model represents the first design of the structural product. For example, the model generator can perform mesh deformation to smooth and gradually modify the FEM model accessed by the data access module 101 to generate a deformed mesh. The deformed mesh can represent the first design of the structural product. The final FEM model can be constructed using the deformed mesh to represent the first design of the structural product.

[0037] In some examples where the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape have a similarity less than a threshold, the model generator 103 is configured to decompose the CAD model into components corresponding to a plurality of components of the structural product. The model generator is further configured to decompose the components and thus generate corresponding FEM models for the plurality of components. The model generator is further configured to assemble the corresponding FEM models with one or more connectors to generate a final FEM model.

[0038] In order to decompose the CAD model into components, in some examples, the model generator 103 is configured to classify the components into corresponding categories based on the characteristics of the components. The model generator is also configured to generate corresponding FEM models based on the corresponding categories of the components. Figure 3 The classification of components into corresponding categories is described in more detail.

[0039] After generating the final FEM model, in some examples, the structural analyzer 104 is configured to perform finite element analysis on the final FEM model to extract loads from the FEM model. The structural analyzer is also configured to perform classical analysis to evaluate the first design of the structural product. Classical analysis defines the determination of the effect of loads on physical structures and their components, and studies the effect of structural deformation and failure modes. For example, the structural analyzer can perform structural analysis on the final FEM model. Structural analysis can be used to evaluate whether the first design of the structural product meets the design requirements and / or standards and whether it can be manufactured. In these examples, the structural analyzer is configured to generate output based on classical analysis. In addition, in these examples, the display device 105 is configured to display the output to facilitate the design of the structural product. After verifying the first design of the structural product, the structural product can be manufactured based on the first design. The structural analyzer can post-process the finite element analysis results based on classical analysis methods to extract critical loads and derive the final margin of the safety summary output. The structural analyzer can perform finite element analysis on the final FEM model to calculate the internal loads of the first design. The Structural Analyzer can produce output based on loads extracted from a finite element analysis.

[0040] In some examples, after the model generator 103 generates the corresponding FEM model for the component, the structural analyzer 104 is also configured to perform classical analysis on the corresponding FEM model to verify multiple components. Classical analysis can use mathematical and / or empirical assumptions to evaluate or determine the structural integrity of the structural product design. Loads can be extracted from finite element analysis, and classical methods can be used to actually measure the structural dimensions of the structural product. Classical methods can be developed based on the mechanics of materials, structural testing, etc. In these examples, the structural analyzer is configured to generate outputs based on finite element analysis and classical analysis. In addition, in these examples, the output includes a safety margin for the first design of the structural product, and the display device 105 is configured to display a visual representation of the safety margin on the CAD model.

[0041] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method 200 for designing a structural product according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, at box 201, the system 100 can receive a new customer requirement to manufacture a structural product such as a closet, luggage rack, or crew rest area for an aircraft based on a design provided by the customer. The design provided by the customer can be represented by a CAD model having a first geometry. At box 202, the system can determine whether the geometry of the CAD model matches an existing FEM model in a database. If so, at box 203, the system can perform a load comparison between the CAD model and the existing FEM model and generate a page strength detection report (SCN).

[0042] On the other hand, if at block 202, the system 100 determines that the geometry of the CAD model does not match any existing FEM model in the database, the method 200 proceeds to block 204. At block 204, the data access module 101 may access a FEM model representing a design of a structural product that is different from the second geometry (i.e., the second design). The similarity comparator 102 may perform a comparison of the CAD model and the FEM model to determine the similarity between the first geometry and the second geometry, for example, by comparing topology, shape, and / or feature changes between the first geometry and the second geometry.

[0043] If at block 204, the similarity comparator 102 determines that the variation between the first geometry and the second geometry is insignificant, i.e., the first geometry and the second geometry have a threshold similarity to each other, the method 200 proceeds to block 205. At block 205, the model generator 103 may apply mesh deformation to modify the mesh of the FEM model to generate a deformed mesh corresponding to the first design of the structural product.

[0044] If at block 204, the similarity comparator 102 determines that the change between the first geometry and the second geometry is significant, i.e., the similarity between the first geometry and the second geometry is less than a threshold similarity to each other, the method 200 proceeds to block 206. At block 206, the model generator 103 may create a new load model for the structural product with the new mesh.

[0045] After generating the deformed mesh or the new mesh, the method 200 enters the frame 207 from the frame 205 or 206. At the frame 207, the model generator 103 can create the final FEM model for the structural product, and the structural analyzer 104 can perform the structural analysis of the structural product. In one example, at the frame 207, the model generator 103 can perform the procedural geometry decomposition and / or the procedural load decomposition. The procedural geometry decomposition can be performed only when the method 200 enters the frame 207 from the frame 206. The structural analyzer can perform the procedural identification and analysis method mapping for each component, and / or map the classical analysis data to the CAD model for visualization, analysis interpretation and documentation. After completing the structural analysis of the structural product, the structural analyzer 104 can generate a new SCN, and the display device 105 can display the visual representation of the safety margin on the CAD model.

[0046] Figure 3 The geometric decomposition of a CAD model into components according to an example implementation of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the CAD model 301 of the closet can be decomposed into components 304. Similarly, the CAD model 302 of the luggage rack can be decomposed into components 305, and the CAD model 303 of the crew rest area can be decomposed into components 306. The components can be classified or categorized in the standard component library 307. For example, component 3041 can be classified as a crossbar, and component 3042 can be classified as a flat plate, or more specifically, a shell panel in the standard component library. After the geometric decomposition, the standard component library can include all categorized components corresponding to components of one or more structural products. In one example, as described above, the following can be performed only when the method 200 proceeds from box 206 to box 207. Figure 3 The procedural geometry decomposition described.

[0047] You can use decomposition rules to perform procedural geometry decomposition. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C Decomposition rules used in geometric decomposition according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 4AThe feature recognition rules used in the geometric decomposition are shown. Using the feature recognition rules, the CAD model of the structural product can be decomposed into components based on the features of the components of the structural product. For example, the CAD model can be decomposed into components based on geometric ratios such as the length-to-thickness ratio (L / T), the length-to-diameter ratio (L / D), and the length-to-width ratio (L / W) shown by arrow 401. The components can also be classified in the standard component library 307 based on the feature recognition rules.

[0048] Figure 4B 4 shows feature extraction rules used in geometric decomposition. Using the feature extraction rules, features of components in the standard component library 307 can be extracted. For example, features of components can be extracted based on labels such as point labels, line labels, surface labels, and / or solid labels as shown by arrows 402. The extracted features can be used in structural analysis.

[0049] Figure 4C Feature manipulation rules used in geometric decomposition are shown. Using feature manipulation rules, features of a component can be manipulated or modified. For example, a CAD model 403 of a component (e.g., a plate) can include edge fillets 404. Using feature manipulation rules, edge fillets with a radius of less than 0.5 inches can be removed to generate a simplified CAD model 405. The simplified CAD model 405 with fewer features can be used to generate a corresponding FEM model of the component.

[0050] In an example, the model generator 103 may decompose the CAD model into components corresponding to the plurality of components of the structural product using one or more of feature recognition rules, feature extraction rules, and feature manipulation rules.

[0051] Figure 5 The generation of an FEM model for a component according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the output of the geometric decomposition can be used to generate a table 501. Table 501 may include part numbers, identified components, and extracted features of the components, such as point labels, line labels, and face labels. Using the information in table 501, the model generator 103 can apply mapping and element type rules to identify the element type and / or element size for each component, as shown in table 502. For example, the plate element type is a shell and the length is 0.5 inches. The model generator can also apply an algorithm to automatically generate a mesh for each component of the structural product. The generated FEM model of the component can be indicated by box 503. In this way, the model generator can generate a corresponding FEM model for the component, and then assemble the corresponding FEM model with one or more connectors to generate the final FEM model of the entire structural product.

[0052] Figure 6A load decomposition algorithm according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, after generating an FEM model for a component, the model generator 103 may provide the FEM model as shown in block 503 to the structural analyzer 104 for implementing the load decomposition algorithm. In one example, the load decomposition algorithm starts from block 601. At block 601, the structural analyzer may apply a search algorithm to map element IDs with face IDs to generate table 602, as shown in block 601. At block 603, the structural analyzer may extract loads from the FEM model of the component using the information in table 602. At block 604, the structural analyzer may transfer all loads and geometries of the FEM model to a classical analysis template. Each component may have a corresponding classical analysis template. At block 605, the structural analyzer may perform a classical analysis on each of the respective corresponding FEM models to verify the design of the respective components of the structural product. At block 605, the structural analyzer may also calculate the safety margins of all components corresponding to the components of the structural product.

[0053] After the classical analysis results (e.g. safety margins) have been generated or calculated for all components, the results can be mapped onto the CAD model of the structural product. Figure 7 The mapping of the classical analysis results to the CAD model according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, at box 701, the structural analyzer 104 can select a node position for each joint. A joint can be a connection between two structural components, and in a FEM model, a joint can be represented by a one-dimensional element. At box 702, the structural analyzer can increase the size of the selected node. At box 703, the structural analyzer can mark the node with different colors or marks based on the margin range of the node. For example, when the minimum MS has a large value, such as >2, the node can be marked to indicate a large safety margin (MS). At box 704, the structural analyzer can map the safety margin to the CAD model of the structural product.

[0054] Figure 8 A visual representation of the results of a classical analysis on a CAD model according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In particular, Figure 8 The final FEM model 801 of the roof rack is shown. After mapping the safety margin onto the CAD model of the structural product, the structural analyzer 104 may provide the mapping information to the display device 105. As also shown, the display device may display a visual representation of the safety margin on the CAD model 802 to facilitate the design of the structural product.

[0055] Fig. 9900 is a flow chart illustrating various operations in a method 900 for designing a structural product according to various example embodiments. As shown in block 901, the method includes accessing a CAD model that represents a first design of a structural product by a first geometric shape. At block 902, the method includes accessing a FEM model that represents a second design of the structural product by a mesh of elements arranged into a second geometric shape. At block 903, the method includes performing a comparison of the CAD model and the FEM model to determine similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape.

[0056] At box 904, method 900 includes generating a final FEM model based on similarity, and the FEM model represents a first design of the structural product by other element meshes arranged in a first geometric shape. At box 905, the method includes performing finite element analysis on the final FEM model to extract loads from the FEM model, and performing classical analysis to evaluate the first design of the structural product. At box 906, the method includes generating output based on the classical analysis. At box 907, the method includes displaying the output to facilitate the design of the structural product. For example, engineers can use the output to design and / or manufacture the structural product.

[0057] According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, the system 100 and its subsystems including the data access module 101, the similarity comparator 102, the model generator 103, the structure analyzer 104 and the display device 105 can be implemented in various ways. The device for implementing the system and its subsystems may include separate hardware or hardware under the guidance of one or more computer programs from a computer-readable storage medium. In some examples, one or more devices may be configured to be used as or otherwise implement the system and its subsystems shown and described herein. In examples involving more than one device, the corresponding devices can be connected to each other or otherwise communicate in a variety of different ways, such as directly or indirectly via a wired or wireless network, etc.

[0058] Fig.10 Device 1000 according to some example embodiments is shown. In general, the device of example embodiments of the present disclosure may include, comprise, or be embodied in one or more fixed or portable electronic devices. Examples of suitable electronic devices include smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, workstation computers, server computers, etc. The device may include one or more of each of a plurality of components, for example, a processor 1001 (e.g., a processing circuit) connected to a memory 1002 (e.g., a storage device). In some examples, device 1000 implements system 100.

[0059] Processor 1001 may consist of one or more processors alone or in combination with one or more memories. A processor is typically any computer hardware capable of processing information such as data, computer programs, and / or other suitable electronic information. A processor consists of a collection of electronic circuits, some of which may be packaged as an integrated circuit or multiple interconnected integrated circuits (sometimes integrated circuits are more generally referred to as "chips"). The processor may be configured to execute a computer program, which may be stored on the processor or otherwise stored in memory 1002 (of the same or another device).

[0060] Depending on the specific implementation, processor 1001 can be a plurality of processors, a multi-core processor, or some other type of processor. In addition, a plurality of heterogeneous processor systems can be used to implement the processor, wherein the main processor exists together with one or more auxiliary processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, the processor can be a symmetric multiprocessor system comprising a plurality of processors of the same type. In yet another example, the processor can be implemented as or otherwise include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. Therefore, although the processor may be able to execute a computer program to perform one or more functions, the processors of various examples may be able to perform one or more functions without the aid of a computer program. In either case, according to the example embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor can be appropriately programmed to perform a function or operation.

[0061] Memory 1002 is generally any computer hardware capable of storing information such as data, computer programs (e.g., computer readable program code 1003), and / or other suitable information on a temporary basis and / or a permanent basis. Memory may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory and may be fixed or removable. Examples of suitable memory include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive, flash memory, thumb drive, removable computer disk, optical disk, tape, or some combination thereof. Optical disks may include compact disk-read-only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read / write (CD-R / W), DVD, etc. In various cases, memory may be referred to as a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium is a non-temporary device capable of storing information and is distinguished from a computer-readable transmission medium such as an electronic temporary signal capable of transporting information from one location to another. Computer-readable media as described herein may generally refer to computer-readable storage media or computer-readable transmission media.

[0062] In addition to the memory 1002, the processor 1001 may also be connected to one or more interfaces for displaying, sending and / or receiving information. The interface may include a communication interface 1004 (e.g., a communication unit) and / or one or more user interfaces. The communication interface may be configured to, for example, send information to other devices, networks, etc. and / or receive information from other devices, networks, etc. The communication interface may be configured to send and / or receive information via a physical (wired) and / or wireless communication link. Examples of suitable communication interfaces include a network interface controller (NIC), a wireless NIC (WNIC), etc.

[0063] The user interface may include a display 1006 and / or one or more user input interfaces 1005 (e.g., input / output units). The display 1006 may correspond to the display device 105. The display may be configured to present or otherwise display information to the user, suitable examples of which include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode display (LED), a plasma display panel (PDP), etc. The user input interface may be wired or wireless, and may be configured to receive information from the user into the device, such as for processing, storage, and / or display. Suitable examples of user input interfaces include microphones, image or video acquisition devices, keyboards or keypads, joysticks, touch-sensitive surfaces (separate from or integrated into the touch screen), biometric sensors, etc. The user interface may also include one or more interfaces for communicating with peripheral devices such as printers and scanners.

[0064] As described above, program code instructions can be stored in a memory and executed by a processor, and the program code instructions are thus programmed to implement the functions of the systems, subsystems, tools and their corresponding elements described herein. It will be understood that any suitable program code instructions can be loaded from a computer-readable storage medium onto a computer or other programmable device to produce a specific machine, so that the specific machine becomes a device for implementing the functions specified herein. These program code instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which can instruct a computer, a processor or other programmable device to act in a specific manner, thereby generating a specific machine or a specific product. Instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium can produce products, where the products become devices for implementing the functions described herein. Program code instructions can be retrieved from a computer-readable storage medium and loaded into a computer, a processor or other programmable device to configure a computer, a processor or other programmable device to perform operations to be performed on a computer, a processor or other programmable device, or operations performed by a computer, a processor or other programmable device.

[0065] The retrieval, loading, and execution of program code instructions may be performed sequentially, such that one instruction may be retrieved, loaded, and executed at a time. In some example embodiments, the retrieval, loading, and / or execution may be performed in parallel, such that multiple instructions are retrieved, loaded, and / or executed together. The execution of program code instructions may produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executed by a computer, processor, or other programmable device provide operations for implementing the functions described herein.

[0066] The processor executes instructions or stores instructions in a computer-readable storage medium, supporting a combination of operations for performing specified functions. In this manner, the device 1000 may include a processor 1001 and a computer-readable storage medium or memory 1002 coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute a computer-readable program code 1003 stored in the memory. It should also be understood that one or more functions and combinations of functions may be implemented by a computer system and / or processor based on dedicated hardware that performs a specific function, or a combination of dedicated hardware and program code instructions.

[0067] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following items:

[0068] Item 1. A device (1000) for designing a structural product, the device comprising a processor (1001) and a memory (1002) storing executable instructions, the executable instructions, in response to execution by the processor, causing the device to at least:

[0069] accessing a computer-aided design (CAD) model representing a first design of a structural product via a first geometric shape;

[0070] accessing a finite element method (FEM) model representing a second design of the structural product via a mesh of elements arranged in a second geometry;

[0071] performing a comparison of the CAD model and the FEM model to determine similarity between the first geometry and the second geometry;

[0072] generating a final FEM model based on the similarity and representing a first design of the structural product through a mesh of other elements arranged in a first geometric shape;

[0073] Conduct finite element analysis on the final FEM model to extract loads from the FEM model and perform classical analysis to evaluate the first design of the structural product;

[0074] Producing output based on classical analysis; and

[0075] Display output to facilitate design of structural products.

[0076] Item 2. The device (1000) of Item 1, wherein causing the device to perform the comparison comprises causing the device to perform the comparison to determine at least a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and

[0077] Wherein, causing the device to generate a final FEM model includes causing the device to perform mesh deformation to modify a mesh of the FEM model to generate a deformed mesh corresponding to other meshes, and thereby the final FEM model represents the first design of the structural product.

[0078] Item 3. The device (1000) of Item 1, wherein causing the device to perform the comparison comprises causing the device to perform the comparison to determine less than a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and

[0079] Among them, the device that enables the device to generate the final FEM model includes:

[0080] Decomposing the CAD model into components corresponding to the multiple components of the structural product;

[0081] generating a corresponding FEM model for the component and thus for the plurality of assemblies; and

[0082] The corresponding FEM models are assembled with one or more connectors to generate a final FEM model.

[0083] Item 4, according to the device (1000) of Item 3, causing the device to decompose the CAD model includes causing the device to classify the components into corresponding categories based on the characteristics of the components, and

[0084] The step of causing the device to generate a corresponding FEM model includes causing the device to generate a corresponding FEM model based on a corresponding category of the component.

[0085] Item 5. A device (1000) according to Item 3, wherein the memory (1002) stores additional executable instructions, which, in response to execution by the processor (1002), cause the device to also perform classical analysis on corresponding FEM models to verify multiple components, and cause the device to generate output including causing the device to generate output based on finite element analysis and classical analysis.

[0086] Item 6. The apparatus (1000) of Item 5, wherein the output comprises a safety margin for the first design of the structural product, and causing the apparatus to display the output comprises causing the apparatus to display a visual representation of the safety margin on the CAD model.

[0087] Item 7. The apparatus (1000) of Item 1, wherein the structural product comprises one or more interior goods for an aircraft, and causing the apparatus to facilitate design of the structural product comprises causing the apparatus to facilitate design of the one or more interior goods.

[0088] Item 8: A method (900) for designing a structural product, comprising:

[0089] Accessing (901) a computer-aided design (CAD) model, the model representing a first design of a structural product via a first geometric shape;

[0090] accessing (902) a finite element method (FEM) model, the model representing a second design of the structural product via a mesh of elements arranged in a second geometry;

[0091] performing (903) a comparison of the CAD model and the FEM model to determine similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape;

[0092] generating (904) a final FEM model based on the similarity and representing the first design of the structural product through other element meshes arranged in the first geometric shape;

[0093] performing (905) a finite element analysis on the final FEM model to extract loads from the FEM model and performing a classical analysis to evaluate the first design of the structural product;

[0094] Producing (906) output based on the classical analysis; and

[0095] The output is displayed (907) to facilitate the design of the structural product.

[0096] Item 9. The method (900) of Item 8, wherein performing (903) the comparison includes performing the comparison to determine at least a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and wherein generating (904) the final FEM model includes performing mesh deformation to modify the mesh of the FEM model to generate a deformed mesh corresponding to the other mesh, and whereby the final FEM model represents the first design of the structural product.

[0097] Item 10. The method (900) of Item 8, wherein performing (903) the comparison includes performing the comparison to determine less than a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and wherein generating (904) the final FEM model includes:

[0098] Decomposing the CAD model into components corresponding to the multiple components of the structural product;

[0099] generating a corresponding FEM model for the component and thus for the plurality of assemblies; and

[0100] The corresponding FEM models are assembled with one or more connectors to generate a final FEM model.

[0101] Item 11. The method (900) of Item 10, wherein decomposing the CAD model comprises classifying the components into respective categories based on features of the components, and wherein generating the respective FEM models comprises generating the respective FEM models based on the respective categories of the components.

[0102] Item 12. The method (900) of Item 10, further comprising performing a classical analysis on the corresponding FEM model to verify the plurality of components, and generating (906) the output comprises generating the output based on the finite element analysis and the classical analysis.

[0103] Item 13. The method (900) of Item 12, wherein the output includes a safety margin for the first design of the structural product, and displaying (907) the output includes displaying a visual representation of the safety margin on the CAD model.

[0104] Item 14. The method (900) of Item 8, wherein the structural product comprises one or more interior commodities for an aircraft, and displaying (907) the output to facilitate design of the structural product comprises displaying the output to facilitate design of the one or more interior commodities.

[0105] Item 15. A computer-readable storage medium (1002) for designing a structural product, the computer-readable storage medium being non-transitory and having a computer-readable program code (1003) stored therein, the computer-readable program code (1003) in response to execution by a processor (1001), causing an apparatus (1000) to at least:

[0106] accessing a computer-aided design (CAD) model representing a first design of a structural product via a first geometric shape;

[0107] accessing a finite element method (FEM) model representing a second design of the structural product via a mesh of elements arranged in a second geometry;

[0108] performing a comparison of the CAD model and the FEM model to determine similarity between the first geometry and the second geometry;

[0109] generating a final FEM model based on the similarity and representing a first design of the structural product through a mesh of other elements arranged in a first geometric shape;

[0110] Conduct finite element analysis on the final FEM model to extract loads from the FEM model and perform classical analysis to evaluate the first design of the structural product;

[0111] Producing output based on classical analysis; and

[0112] Display output to facilitate design of structural products.

[0113] Item 16. The computer-readable storage medium (1002) of Item 15, wherein causing the device (1000) to perform the comparison comprises causing the device to perform the comparison to determine at least a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and

[0114] Wherein, causing the device to generate a final FEM model includes causing the device to perform mesh deformation to modify a mesh of the FEM model to generate a deformed mesh corresponding to other meshes, and thereby the final FEM model represents the first design of the structural product.

[0115] Item 17. The computer-readable storage medium (1002) of Item 15, wherein causing the device (1000) to perform the comparison comprises causing the device to perform the comparison to determine less than a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and

[0116] The step of causing the device to generate the final FEM model includes causing the device to:

[0117] Decomposing the CAD model into components corresponding to the multiple components of the structural product;

[0118] generating a corresponding FEM model for the component and thus for the plurality of assemblies; and

[0119] The corresponding FEM models are assembled with one or more connectors to generate a final FEM model.

[0120] Item 18. The computer-readable storage medium (1002) of Item 17, wherein causing the device (1000) to decompose the CAD model comprises causing the device to classify the components into corresponding categories based on features of the components, and

[0121] The step of causing the device to generate a corresponding FEM model includes causing the device to generate a corresponding FEM model based on a corresponding category of the component.

[0122] Item 19. A computer-readable storage medium (1002) according to Item 17, wherein a computer-readable program code (1003) is also stored, which can, in response to execution by a processor (1001), cause the device (1000) to further perform classical analysis on the corresponding FEM model to verify multiple components, and cause the device to generate output, including causing the device to generate the output based on finite element analysis and classical analysis.

[0123] Item 20. A computer-readable storage medium (1002) according to Item 19, wherein the output includes a safety margin for the first design of the structural product, and causing the device (1000) to display the output includes causing the device to display a visual representation of the safety margin on the CAD model.

[0124] Item 21. The computer-readable storage medium (1002) of Item 15, wherein the structural product comprises one or more interior goods for an aircraft, and causing the apparatus (1000) to facilitate design of the structural product comprises causing the apparatus to facilitate design of the one or more interior goods.

[0125] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates will appreciate that many modifications and other implementations of the present invention described herein have the advantages of the teachings shown in the above description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, as set forth in some of the appended claims above, different combinations of elements and / or functions explicitly described above are also considered. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense, not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A device (1000) for designing a structural product, the device (1000) comprising a processor (1001) and a memory (1002) storing executable instructions, wherein the executable instructions, in response to execution by the processor, cause the device to at least: accessing a computer-aided design model, the computer-aided design model representing a first design of the structural product via a first geometric shape; accessing a finite element method model representing a second design of the structural product via a mesh of elements arranged in a second geometry; performing a comparison of the computer-aided design model and the finite element method model to determine a similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape; Based on the similarity being a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape or the similarity being less than the threshold similarity, generating a final finite element method model, the final finite element method model representing the first design of the structural product through other element meshes arranged in the first geometric shape, wherein when the similarity is the threshold similarity, the change between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape is slight, and mesh deformation is applied to modify the mesh of the finite element method model to generate a deformed mesh corresponding to the first design of the structural product; when the similarity is less than the threshold similarity, the change between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape is significant, and a new load model is created for the structural product through the new mesh; performing a finite element analysis on the final finite element method model to extract loads from the finite element method model and performing a classical analysis to evaluate the first design of the structural product, wherein the classical analysis defines the determination of the effects of loads on the physical structure and its components and studies the effects of structural deformations and failure modes; generating an output based on the classical analysis; and The output is displayed to facilitate design of the structured product.

2. The device (1000) according to claim 1, wherein causing the device (1000) to perform the comparison includes causing the device to perform the comparison to determine that the similarity is less than a threshold similarity value between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and Wherein, causing the device to generate the final finite element method model comprises causing the device to: decomposing the computer-aided design model into components corresponding to a plurality of components of the structural product; generating a corresponding finite element method model for the component and thereby for the plurality of assemblies; and The corresponding finite element method models are assembled using one or more connectors to generate the final finite element method model.

3. The device (1000) according to claim 2, wherein: causing the device to decompose the computer-aided design model includes causing the device to classify the components into corresponding categories based on features of the components, and The step of causing the device to generate the corresponding finite element method model includes causing the device to generate the corresponding finite element method model based on the corresponding category of the component.

4. The device (1000) according to claim 2, wherein The memory (1002) stores further executable instructions, which, in response to execution by the processor (1001), cause the device to further perform classical analysis on the corresponding finite element method model to verify the multiple components, and cause the device to generate the output, including causing the device to generate the output based on the finite element analysis and the classical analysis.

5. The device (1000) according to claim 4, wherein The output includes a margin of safety for the first design of the structural product, and causing the device to display the output includes causing the device to display a visual representation of the margin of safety on the computer-aided design model.

6. The device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The structural product includes one or more interior commodities for an aircraft, and causing the apparatus to facilitate design of the structural product includes causing the apparatus to facilitate design of the one or more interior commodities.

7. A method (900) for designing a structural product, comprising: accessing a computer-aided design model, the computer-aided design model representing a first design of the structural product via a first geometric shape; accessing a finite element method model representing a second design of the structural product via a mesh of elements arranged in a second geometry; performing (903) a comparison of the computer-aided design model and the finite element method model to determine similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape; Based on the similarity being a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape or the similarity being less than the threshold similarity, generating (904) a final finite element method model, the final finite element method model representing the first design of the structural product through other element meshes arranged in the first geometric shape, wherein when the similarity is the threshold similarity, the change between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape is slight, and a mesh deformation is applied to modify the mesh of the finite element method model to generate a deformed mesh corresponding to the first design of the structural product; when the similarity is less than the threshold similarity, the change between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape is significant, and a new load model is created for the structural product through the new mesh; performing (905) a finite element analysis on the final finite element method model to extract loads from the finite element method model and performing a classical analysis to evaluate the first design of the structural product, wherein the classical analysis defines the determination of the effects of loads on the physical structure and its components and studies the effects of structural deformations and failure modes; generating (906) an output based on the classical analysis; and The output is displayed (907) to facilitate design of the structural product.

8. The method (900) according to claim 7, wherein: Performing (903) the comparison includes performing the comparison to determine that the similarity is less than a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and wherein generating (904) the final finite element method model includes: decomposing the computer-aided design model into components corresponding to a plurality of components of the structural product; generating a corresponding finite element method model for the component and thus for the plurality of assemblies; and The corresponding finite element method models are assembled using one or more connectors to generate the final finite element method model.

9. The method (900) according to claim 8, wherein: Decomposing the computer-aided design model includes classifying the components into respective categories based on features of the components, and wherein generating the respective finite element method models includes generating the respective finite element method models based on the respective categories of the components.

10. The method (900) of claim 8, further comprising performing the classical analysis on the corresponding finite element method models to validate the plurality of components, and generating the output comprises generating the output based on the finite element analysis and the classical analysis.

11. The method (900) according to claim 10, wherein: The output includes a margin of safety for the first design of the structural product, and displaying (907) the output includes displaying a visual representation of the margin of safety on the computer-aided design model.

12. The method (900) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The structural product includes one or more interior commodities for an aircraft, and displaying (907) the output to facilitate design of the structural product includes displaying the output to facilitate design of the one or more interior commodities.

13. A computer-readable storage medium (1002) for designing a structural product, the computer-readable storage medium being non-transitory and storing a computer-readable program code (1003), the computer-readable program code (1003) in response to execution by a processor (1001), causing an apparatus (1000) to at least: accessing a computer-aided design model, the computer-aided design model representing a first design of the structural product via a first geometric shape; accessing a finite element method model representing a second design of the structural product via a mesh of elements arranged in a second geometry; performing a comparison of the computer-aided design model and the finite element method model to determine similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape; Based on the similarity being a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape or the similarity being less than the threshold similarity, generating a final finite element method model, and the final finite element method model represents the first design of the structural product through other element meshes arranged in the first geometric shape, wherein when the similarity is the threshold similarity, the change between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape is slight, and mesh deformation is applied to modify the mesh of the finite element method model to generate a deformed mesh corresponding to the first design of the structural product; when the similarity is less than the threshold similarity, the change between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape is significant, and a new load model is created for the structural product through the new mesh; performing a finite element analysis on the final finite element method model to extract loads from the finite element method model and performing a classical analysis to evaluate the first design of the structural product, wherein the classical analysis defines the determination of the effects of loads on the physical structure and its components and studies the effects of structural deformations and failure modes; generating an output based on the classical analysis; and The output is displayed to facilitate design of the structured product.

14. The computer readable storage medium (1002) of claim 13, wherein: causing the device (1000) to perform the comparison includes causing the device to perform the comparison to determine that the similarity is less than a threshold similarity between the first geometric shape and the second geometric shape, and Wherein, causing the device to generate the final finite element method model comprises causing the device to: decomposing the computer-aided design model into components corresponding to a plurality of components of the structural product; generating a corresponding finite element method model for the component and thus for the plurality of assemblies; and The corresponding finite element method models are assembled using one or more connectors to generate the final finite element method model.

15. The computer readable storage medium (1002) of claim 14, wherein: Causing the apparatus (1000) to decompose the computer-aided design model includes causing the apparatus to classify the components into corresponding categories based on features of the components, and The step of causing the device to generate the corresponding finite element method model includes causing the device to generate the corresponding finite element method model based on the corresponding category of the component.

16. The computer readable storage medium (1002) of claim 14, wherein: A computer-readable program code (1003) is also stored, which, in response to execution by the processor (1001), causes the device (1000) to further perform the classical analysis on the corresponding finite element method model to verify the multiple components, and causes the device to generate the output, including causing the device to generate the output based on the finite element analysis and the classical analysis.

17. The computer readable storage medium (1002) of claim 16, wherein: The output comprises a safety margin for the first design of the structural product, and causing the device (1000) to display the output comprises causing the device to display a visual representation of the safety margin on the computer-aided design model.

18. The computer readable storage medium (1002) of claim 13, wherein: The structural product comprises one or more interior commodities for an aircraft, and causing the apparatus (1000) to facilitate design of the structural product comprises causing the apparatus to facilitate design of the one or more interior commodities.

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