Method for replicating fit of components in an assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for replicating a fit of parts in an assembly. The method comprises inspecting a constraint and a geometry of a selected part perimeter of a fit of parts in a first surface of an assembly. A first descriptor is acquired, the first descriptor having a plurality of numerical features of the constraint and the geometry. The first descriptor is set as a first source descriptor. A potential first target geometry in a region of the first surface is inspected, and a first target descriptor is computed from the first target geometry. In case the first source descriptor matches the first target descriptor, an instance of a first target part is created from the first target descriptor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to modeling physical systems, and more specifically to simplifying repetitive processes in modeling systems. Background Technology

[0002] When creating computer-aided drafting (CAD) models of physical assemblies, the processes of inserting, moving, orienting, and constraining parts can be quite repetitive, and therefore susceptible to human error at each step. Typically, this method of repeatedly laying out and constraining parts (e.g., fasteners) requires the user to have explicit choices for each command (e.g., copy mate) within the modeling application (e.g., SOLIDWORKS). Similarly, commands may be limited to geometry existing on shared surfaces (faces) and / or geometry with the same geometric properties (e.g., SOLIDWORKS Smart Fasteners). Variations of the same faces or geometry require the user to manually copy the layout and constraints of another instance of the part, which can then be used to copy the mate through the aforementioned process.

[0003] Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of a modeled assembly 100 comprising multiple plates 110, 140, 150, 160, and 170. A parts list (not shown) for the assembly 100 includes each of plates 110, 140, 150, 160, and 170. A first plate 115 includes clearance holes 120 and 125 in which one or more fastener components 130 (nuts, bolts, washers, etc.) can be used to attach the first plate 110 to plates 140, 150, and 160. For example, the user creates a fastener component 130 (in this case, a bolt) for fastening the first plate 110 to the second plate 160 by inserting the fastener component 130 through a clearance hole 120 at the top surface 115 of the first plate and receiving it in a threaded hole in the second plate 160 for receiving the threads of the fastener component 130. The user adds the fastener component 130 to the parts list. As shown in Figure 1B, the user defines a mating 135 that includes fastener component 130 and clearance hole 120. These components and their dimensions are stored in a descriptor table, which describes the individual components 120 and 130 of the mating 135 and the relationships between these components.

[0004] Once the user has manually defined the first mating 135, replicating this mating 135 in other locations within the assembly (e.g., in other clearance holes 120, 125 in surface 115 of the first plate 110) requires the user to manually define each location and mating constraint, or to ensure the same geometry exists at each desired location. This manual mating can be cumbersome because selecting each face may involve rotating and / or scaling the model's view to allow the user to see and select the parts, and this operation may be required for every face selection. Identifying geometries with similar dimensions on a given face can be quite difficult to the human eye, often requiring the user to employ other means (e.g., measuring tools) or trial and error to determine if the selected geometry is suitable. Therefore, one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks need to be addressed in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention enable users of a CAD system to replicate the layout and constraints of a component of interest in a modeled assembly with minimal user input. The process takes an instance of a component as input, which is partially or completely constrained to a certain geometry. The user invokes the process to automatically replicate the layout and constraints of the component of interest. The process analyzes the component of interest, the constraints between the component of interest and other components, and the geometry adjacent to and located in the region of the component of interest. The system performs this analysis, analyzing the faces on which the component is constrained to determine whether other geometry located on and adjacent to and / or in the region of the face is similar to the component of interest and its adjacent and regional geometry. If the system finds similar geometry, it indicates the location of the similar geometry to the user via a visual indicator. The user can then choose to have the process automatically replicate the component of interest and its constraints at that location, or reject the suggestion and not replicate the component at that location. The process allows the user to select additional geometry on the same or other model faces to replicate the layout and constraints of the component on those faces using the same analysis as described above. Additionally, users can use this process to find geometries that are more similar to or less similar to those adjacent to and located in the region of the part of interest.

[0006] Other systems, methods, and features of the present invention will be apparent or become obvious to those skilled in the art upon studying the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, and features are intended to be included in this specification and protected by the appended claims within the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The patent document or application document contains at least one drawing in color. A copy of the published text of this patent or patent application with the color drawing will be provided by the official authority upon request and payment of the necessary fees.

[0008] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the emphasis is on clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0009] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary first modeled assembly.

[0010] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the modeled assembly of Figure 1A, showing the user-defined first mating on the first surface.

[0011] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a modeled assembly in an exemplary first embodiment, illustrating multiple suggested matings based on the user-selected matings in Figure 1B.

[0012] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the modeled assembly shows the deselection of suggested fits.

[0013] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the modeled assembly shows the selection of additional mating on the second surface.

[0014] Figure 2D yes Figure 2C A schematic diagram of the modeled assembly shows multiple proposed matings located on the second surface based on additional matings.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for suggesting a match based on a user-defined first match.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary second modeled assembly.

[0017] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 The detailed drawing of the assembly shows the first hole group.

[0018] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the characteristics of the first borehole group.

[0019] Figure 6A yes Figure 4 The second detailed view of the assembly shows the outline of the holes in the second hole group.

[0020] Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of the characteristics of the second borehole group.

[0021] Figure 7A yes Figure 4 The third detailed view of the assembly shows the outline of the holes in the third hole group.

[0022] Figure 7B It shows Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of the characteristics of the third borehole group.

[0023] Figure 8A yes Figure 4 The fourth detail drawing of the assembly shows the outline of the holes in the fourth hole group.

[0024] Figure 8B It shows Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of the characteristics of the fourth borehole group.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system for performing the functions of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following definitions are useful for interpreting the terms that apply to the features of the embodiments disclosed herein, and are intended to define only the elements of this disclosure.

[0027] As used in this disclosure, "rotational fit" refers to the simultaneous application of coincident fit and concentric fit. A coincident fit is a fit that makes two planes coplanar. A concentric fit makes two cylindrical or conical surfaces coaxial.

[0028] As used herein, a "descriptor" refers to a data structure that describes the properties of a local region of geometry within a modeled assembly. A descriptor may include text fields and numeric fields, as well as fields indicating its relationship to other parts and / or structural features. This usage of the term "descriptor" is common in information retrieval systems. For example, in an image retrieval system, a descriptor contains visual features of an image that help classify the image, such as shape, color, or texture. In a music search system, a descriptor may contain attributes such as rhythm, scale, genre, and artist. In a document retrieval system, a descriptor may contain word counts, author, language, etc.

[0029] As used herein, a “parts list” refers to a list of individual parts of a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) modeled assembly. In a CAD environment, the parts list may be visually presented as a sidebar of a graphics window that displays a 2D or 3D rendering of the modeled assembly. The parts list and the graphics window can be interactive; for example, selecting a part in the parts list will highlight the corresponding part in the graphics window, and similarly, selecting a part in the graphics window (e.g., by clicking with the mouse) will highlight the corresponding part in the parts list.

[0030] As used in this disclosure, “model resolution” refers to a parameter of the CAD system that indicates the minimum size such that any object smaller than the model resolution is considered to have zero length by the CAD system.

[0031] As used in this disclosure, “source fit” refers to a combination of concentric and coincident relationships established between a first component and a second component in a 2D or 3D assembly to be replicated, such as a rotational fit between a fastener and a receiving component having an axial bore.

[0032] As used in this disclosure, "unconstrained motion" and "unconstrained mode" refer to a state in which parts within a finite element model can move freely in a certain direction without constraint.

[0033] As used in this disclosure, “face” refers to the surface of a part of a 2D or 3D modeled assembly.

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and description to denote the same or similar parts.

[0035] As noted in the Background section, current CAD solutions require manual repetition of matings of similar parts, which can lead to wasted time and unnecessary errors. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention (referred to herein as the "Matching Assistant") analyze the selected parts of the identified matings and their adjacent and regional geometry, thus eliminating the need for the user to visually identify suitable geometry for other locations in the model. This allows the user to remove unwanted suggestions or customize results to suit their needs. The embodiments eliminate the influence of human error by replicating the constraints of the part of interest at each suggested location.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1B, once the user manually defines the first mating 135, the user indicates their desire to replicate the use of the fastener 130 in multiple receiving positions on the first mating surface 115, and the first embodiment of the invention identifies and displays suggestions for other potential matings 135 in the first surface 115, such as... Figure 2A As shown.

[0037] Users can selectively retain or reject option 135. For example, as Figure 2B As shown, the user can select to deselect hole 136 from the first surface 115, as further described below. Figure 2C As shown, the user can then select a second mating surface 185 on the second surface 175, where the mating assistant searches for and identifies mating scenarios that match the search criteria used for mating on the first mating surface, such as... Figure 2D As shown. When the second mating surface 175 is selected, the user can expand the mating search, for example, by changing the dimensions of the components (e.g., fastener diameter, fastener depth). The mating assistant not only finds similar structures for receiving fasteners (e.g., bolt holes), but also creates associated matings (fasteners (e.g., bolts)) by copying source matings 135, 185, and adds the created mating components to the component list.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method for replicating a fit in a model. It should be noted that, as those skilled in the art will understand, any process description or block in the flowchart should be construed as representing a portion or step of a module, segment, code, or procedure including one or more instructions for implementing a specific logical function within the procedure, and alternative embodiments are included within the scope of the invention, in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, depending on the functionality involved, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order.

[0039] The first mate 135 (FIG. 1B) is created by the user of the CAD system. The first mate includes a selected part 130 (FIG. 1B) that is already constrained by one or more mates, wherein at least one mate involves an axis of the peripheral geometry. For example, in the case where the selected part is a bolt mates with a hole in a plate, the bolt is constrained by the axis of the hole. This mate is a revolute mate including part 130 (FIG. 1A), which will be replicated at the receiving portion 120 (hole) in face 115 (FIG. 1B) of assembly 100 (FIG. 1B). As shown in block 310, the constraints and geometry for the receiving portion (peripheral region) 120 (FIG. 1A) of the selected part 130 (FIG. 1A) are examined. As shown in block 320, features of the peripheral geometry are captured in the form of digital descriptors. As shown in block 330, the digital descriptor is set as the source descriptor. The mate assistant scans the descriptors of the entire part with the source mate to find areas with descriptors that match the source descriptors for display to the user.

[0040] As shown in block 340, the assistant examines the geometry 120 of other potential (“suggested”) targets in the region of face 115 and calculates numerical descriptors for these geometries. As shown in block 350, the source descriptors are compared with each of the potential target descriptors. User preferences may be considered during the comparison; for example, the assistant may identify targets among the target descriptors that have a range of variations in one or more dimensions. As shown in block 360, the descriptors are visually illustrated (e.g., in...). Figure 2A (Suggested targets are shown in yellow). For example, the visual indicator can be in the form of colored concentric circles. In the first embodiment, the user can deselect the suggested target by clicking the innermost concentric circle. The assistant then moves the innermost circle from the deselected suggestion 136 (…). Figure 2C Hides it in the visible indicator of ).

[0041] As shown in block 380, instances of suggested components are created and constrained based on the target geometry. For example, if the target geometry has the same axial bore diameter as the source descriptor but a shallower depth, instances of suggested components can be constrained to have a shorter length than the source component, thus corresponding to the shallower depth of the target geometry. As another example, if the target geometry has the same axial bore depth as the source descriptor but a wider diameter, instances of suggested components can be constrained to have a wider diameter than the source component, thus corresponding to the wider diameter of the target geometry.

[0042] In scenarios with a single source mate, the suggested source can match the source on all attributes within the model resolution. For example, if the radius of the source hole is r, the suggested allowable radius range could be [r-res, r+res], where res is the model resolution. When the user makes one or more additional selections, the mate assistant adjusts the allowable range for each attribute based on its value in the original and additional sources. For example, if the radius of the first source hole is r1 and the radius of the additional source is r2, where r2 is greater than r1, then subsequent suggested mates could include holes with radii ranging from [r1-res, r2+res]. Typically, for each descriptor attribute, the embodiment can allow a range of [minimum value in (t1, t2, ...) - res, maximum value in (t1, t2, ...) + res], where t1, t2, ... are the values ​​of that attribute in the user-given source. This automatically expands the range of values ​​that match this parameter.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the matching assistant can infer from additional user selections which parameters are less important to the user, thus allowing for greater variation in these parameters when searching for matching suggestions. For example, if the second choice is a hole with a different depth than the first choice, the system can broaden the search criteria based on the assumption that the hole depth is not critical to the match, and can relax or even ignore the depth range.

[0044] The created instance is added to the part list. Users can then access it in assembly 100 (…). Figure 2C Other locations (e.g., in assembly 100) Figure 2C The second surface 175 ( Figure 2C ) through hole 180 ( Figure 2C Select additional target 185. Figure 2C As shown in block 370, features of the geometry surrounding the additional target 185 are captured in the form of numerical descriptors. Figure 2D As shown, additional suggestions based on additional target 185 can be generated.

[0045] For components with an axial component (e.g., the extension shaft of a bolt), examining the constraints and geometry surrounding the receiving portion of the selected component involves identifying all faces surrounding the selected component 130 (FIG. 1B). A descriptor is created for each face near the selected component 130 to capture the face type, face orientation, and characteristics of the face relative to the axis of the selected component. Face types can be, for example, planar, cylindrical, etc. The descriptor includes fields indicating whether a given face is convex, concave, or planar. For faces with an axial geometry (cylindrical, conical, etc.), the descriptor captures any radius variation along the axis. For example, if the face is conical, the descriptor records a first radius at a first end and a second radius at a second end. In addition to the first and second radii, the descriptor also records the axial parameters of the first end of the cone (as described below) and the axial parameters of the second end. In contrast, cylindrical faces have a constant radius. If the face has a more complex axial geometry (e.g., a toroidal or revolute surface), radius variations can be sampled at points between the starting and ending radii. If the face of the receiving component has a non-axial geometry (plane, spline, etc.), the descriptor may include only the minimum distance between the axis and the face.

[0046] If the mate involves one or more additional axes, a descriptor is created for each axis to capture parameters such as the minimum distance between that axis and the primary axis, and the point at which the primary axis is at the minimum distance between it and the additional axes.

[0047] After creating the descriptors, the assistant sorts them in ascending order of the axis parameter values. For example, the axis parameter values ​​are normalized by subtracting the first axis parameter value from all other axis parameter values, such that the first axis parameter is set to zero, and the other parameter values ​​are kept in the same relative position as the first axis parameter value.

[0048] As described in further detail below, the descriptor contains attributes of faces within a region surrounding a given axis. If a stricter similarity is desired between the source and target regions, more attributes can be selectively included, such as the face perimeter, face area, number of face edges, etc. (This is achieved through...) Figure 4 The example shown in Figure 8 illustrates the full content of the descriptor.

[0049] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary assembly 400, which includes a first part 410 having a first surface 415. A first hole group 411 (shown as being surrounded by a dotted line box), a second hole group 412 (surrounded by a dashed line box), and a third hole group 413 (surrounded by a dotted-dashed line box) pass through the first part 410 at the first surface 415. A second part 450 has a first surface 455. A third part 470 has a first surface 475. A fourth hole group 474 (surrounded by a dashed line box) passes through the third part 470 at the first surface 475.

[0050] In this example, the descriptors for each of the hole groups 411-414 are based on the geometry of the hole axis surrounding each corresponding hole group 411-414 to indicate the differences between the holes in the four groups 411-414. Holes with the same descriptor are included in a single group. In this example, the contents of the descriptors are shown in Tables 1 through 4.

[0051] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 The first detailed view of the assembly shows the outline of the holes in the first hole group 411. A fastener component 430 is shown located in the chamfered cylindrical receiving hole of the first hole group 411. The fastener component 430 and the first hole can be considered as a source fit 535. Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional view showing the characteristics of the area surrounding the fastener component 430 of the source fit 535. Table 1 shows the descriptor of the source fit 535. Measurements were taken relative to shaft 550.

[0052]

[0053] Table 1: Figure 5B Descriptor of the source fit of hole group 1 in

[0054] Figure 6A yes Figure 4 The second detailed view of the assembly shows the outline of the holes in the second hole group 412. Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view showing the characteristics of the region of the second source fit 635. Table 2 shows the descriptor of the second source fit 635. Measurements were taken relative to axis 650.

[0055]

[0056]

[0057] Table 2: Figure 6B Descriptor of source mating for hole group 2 in

[0058] Figure 7A yes Figure 4The third detail drawing of the assembly shows the outline of the holes in the third hole group 413. Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view showing the characteristics of the region of the third source fit 735. Table 3 shows the descriptor of the third source fit 735. Measurements were taken relative to axis 750.

[0059]

[0060] Table 3: Figure 7B Descriptor of source mating for hole group 3 in

[0061] Figure 8A yes Figure 4 The fourth detail view of the assembly shows the outline of the holes in the fourth hole group 414. Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view showing the characteristics of the region of the fourth source fit 835. Table 4 shows the descriptor of the fourth source fit 835. Measurements were taken relative to axis 850.

[0062]

[0063]

[0064] Table 4: Figure 8B Descriptor of source mating for hole group 4 in

[0065] Given a fastener component 430 constrained by a single hole, in an exemplary embodiment, an assistant examines descriptors to identify and indicate all other holes with matching descriptors as potential targets. The contents of the descriptors can be sorted in ascending order of axis parameters. The axis parameter of a given point on the axis is the signed distance from that point to the axis origin. There may be multiple ways to fix the axis origin and the sign rule. Following the rule followed in this example, the axis origin is fixed at the beginning of the axial geometry, at a position with an axis parameter of 0.0. The sign of the distance is positive when moving inward from the origin to the axial geometry and negative when moving outward from the origin to the axial geometry.

[0066] The "Up" and "Down" mentioned in the "Face Orientation" column of the descriptor table are considered in the case of axis parameters. In the given example, the direction along which the axis parameter decreases is considered "Up," and the direction along which the axis parameter increases is considered "Down."

[0067] "Distance from axis" indicates the minimum distance between the plane and the axis. "Axis parameter" identifies the unique point on the axis that is closest to the plane in question.

[0068] "Radius 1" and "Radius 2" are the starting and ending radii of the axial geometry, respectively. If the axial geometry is a cylindrical surface, the starting and ending radii will be equal. If the axial geometry is non-cylindrical (e.g., a conical surface), the starting and ending radii will be different. For more complex axial geometries (e.g., toroidal or revolute surfaces with more complex curved profiles), two data points (starting and ending radii) may not be sufficient. In these cases, more data points with varying radii can be sampled between the starting and ending radii and can be included in the descriptor.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the fastener component may include more than one axis. In this case, the descriptor includes a set of individual descriptors calculated for each axis. Here, each descriptor for a given axis includes additional columns to accommodate properties of other axes in the case of that given axis. The properties of the other axes may include the distance of the other axes from the given axis and the axis parameters that minimize the distance.

[0070] As described above, a source mate is defined by a set of descriptors that describe each of the objects directly involved in the mate. For example, a fastener (bolt) is inserted through a hole in the surface of a first plate, and the fastener is attached to a receiving anchor point on a second plate. In an alternative embodiment, a third plate (with through holes for the fastener) may exist between the first and second plates. Here, the mate includes descriptors for the surfaces involved in each of the first, second, and third plates, as well as for the surface of the fastener itself. The size of the fastener defines the range included in the source mate descriptors.

[0071] In the second embodiment, after the CAD system has provided a set of suggested mates on the surfaces of the source mates, the user can select holes that are not part of the original suggested mates. This creates a second source mate, which is added to the search, thereby expanding the search to include holes suitable for both the first and second source mates (with matching descriptors) as suggested mates. For example, the first source mate may be chamfered, while the second source mate is not chamfered. Once all mates have been selected for the first surface, if the user selects the second surface, the search is expanded to find mates on the second surface.

[0072] In the current embodiment, the user can select holes, and the mating assistant will display all holes with similar peripheral geometry on the same face as potential mates. The user can also select additional holes with different diameters or located on non-coplanar faces.

[0073] If the user selects a combination of fasteners / receivers as the source mate, the user effectively selects the fastener components and holes, as well as their associated mates, thus forming the input for a rotary mate. For example, assuming the concentric portion of the mate is created between the bolt shank and the inner wall of the hole, and the overlapping portion is created between a planar entity on the bolt (e.g., the underside of the bolt head) and a planar entity on the component, the hole is located, for example, in the face of a plate where the hole has already been created.

[0074] The system used to perform the functions described in the detailed description above can be a computer-hosted computer-aided drawing application, an example of which is... Figure 9 The schematic diagram illustrates this. System 900 includes a processor 902, a storage device 904, a memory 906 storing software 908 defining the aforementioned functions, input and output (I / O) devices 910 (or peripheral devices), and a local bus or local interface 912 enabling communication within system 900. Local interface 912 may be, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections known in the art. Local interface 912 may have additional elements (e.g., controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers) to enable communication; these additional elements are omitted for simplicity. Furthermore, local interface 912 may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communication between the aforementioned components.

[0075] Processor 902 is a hardware device used to execute software (particularly software stored in memory 906). Processor 902 can be any custom or commercially available single-core or multi-core processor, central processing unit (CPU), auxiliary processor among multiple processors associated with this system 900, semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), macroprocessor, or any device typically used to execute software instructions.

[0076] Memory 906 may include any or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)) and non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, etc.). Furthermore, memory 906 may include electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. It should be noted that memory 906 may have a distributed architecture in which various components are located geographically apart but are accessible by processor 902.

[0077] According to the present invention, software 908 defines the functions executed by system 900. As described below, software 908 in memory 906 may include one or more individual programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing the logical functions of system 900. Memory 906 may include operating system (O / S) 920. The operating system essentially controls the execution of programs within system 900 and provides scheduling, input / output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services.

[0078] I / O device 910 may include input devices, such as, but not limited to, keyboards, mice, scanners, microphones, etc. Furthermore, I / O device 910 may also include output devices, such as, but not limited to, printers, monitors, etc. Finally, I / O device 910 may further include devices that communicate via input and output, such as, but not limited to, modulators / demodulators (modems; used to access another device, system, or network), radio frequency (RF) or other transceivers, telephone interfaces, bridges, routers, or other devices.

[0079] As described above, when the system 900 is in operation, the processor 902 is configured to execute the software 908 stored in the memory 906 to transfer data to and from the memory 906, and to substantially control the operation of the system 900 according to the software 908.

[0080] When the system 900 is in operation, the processor 902 is configured to execute the software 908 stored in the memory 906 to transfer data to and from the memory 906, and to substantially control the operation of the system 900 according to the software 908. The operating system 920 is read by the processor 902 and may be cached within the processor 902 before being executed.

[0081] When system 900 is implemented by software 908, it should be noted that instructions for implementing system 900 can be stored on any computer-readable medium for use by or in conjunction with any computer-related device, system, or method. In some embodiments, such a computer-readable medium may correspond to one or both of memory 906 and storage device 904. In the context of this document, a computer-readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or apparatus that may contain or store a computer program for use by or in conjunction with a computer-related device, system, or method. Instructions for implementing the system can be contained in any computer-readable medium for use by or in conjunction with a processor or other such instruction execution system, device, or apparatus. Although processor 902 has been mentioned by way of example, in some embodiments, such instruction execution system, device, or apparatus may be any computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from and from an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus. In the context of this document, "computer-readable medium" can mean any means that can store, communicate, propagate or transmit programs for use by or in conjunction with a processor or other such instruction execution system, device or apparatus.

[0082] Such computer-readable media can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, apparatuses, or propagation media. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media will include the following: electrical connections having one or more wires (electronic), portable computer disks (magnetic), random access memory (RAM) (electronic), read-only memory (ROM) (electronic), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory) (electronic), optical fiber (optical), and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). It should be noted that computer-readable media can even be paper for printing programs or other suitable media, because programs can be electronically captured, for example, by optical scanning of paper or other media, then compiled, interpreted, or, if necessary, processed in a suitable manner, and then stored in computer memory.

[0083] In an alternative embodiment where system 900 is implemented in hardware, system 900 may be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques well known in the art: one or more discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logic functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having appropriately combined logic gates, one or more programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0084] While the above embodiments pertain to mating with surfaces adjacent to planar, cylindrical, and conical surfaces, in alternative embodiments, the mating may include other curved surfaces. Furthermore, although mating surfaces are disclosed as holes for receiving inserted fasteners, in alternative embodiments, the mating surfaces may have protruding cylindrical and / or conical portions having at least one central axis that mates with the receiving portion.

[0085] While the above embodiments are directed to product design using CAD software, particularly for the design of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic assemblies and multi-part components, those skilled in the art will understand that alternative embodiments can be applied to other relevant applications. For example, video game design embodiments can replicate environmental features at locations with similar adjacent and regional environmental characteristics. Similarly, HVAC applications can leverage the invention to replicate heating, cooling, or airflow mechanisms at locations where thermal analysis has determined temperature gradients or airflow patterns with similar properties, and to determine the layout of mechanical supports (e.g., structural members in bridges or buildings) with different sizes and orientations to meet load scenarios.

[0086] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, the present invention is intended to cover modifications and variations thereof, provided that such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A computer-based method for replicating component mating between a first component and a second component in a computer-aided drafting application, the method comprising the following steps: The constraints and geometry around the selected component that mates with the component on the first surface of the assembly are checked; Obtain a first descriptor, which includes multiple digital features of the constraints and geometry; Set the first descriptor as the first source descriptor; Examine the potential first target geometry in the region of the first face; Calculate the first target descriptor based on the first target geometry; Compare the first source descriptor with the first target descriptor; Determine that the first target descriptor matches the first source descriptor; as well as An instance of the first target component is created based on the first target descriptor. The component fit includes a combination of coincident fit and concentric fit. The coincident fit makes two planes coplanar, and the concentric fit makes two cylindrical or conical surfaces coaxial.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: The selected component is highlighted with a selected component visual indicator, and the first target geometry is highlighted with a first target visual indicator.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the following steps: Receive the user's deselection of the first target visual indicator; and Modify the first target visual indicator to indicate the deselection.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of removing an instance of the first target component.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Comparing the source descriptor with the target descriptor further includes the step of considering at least one user setting.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The user settings further include at least one size variation of the first target descriptor.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: Receive selection of a second source component in the second surface of the assembly; Inspect the second source constraints and geometry surrounding the second source component; Calculate a second source descriptor, which includes a second constraint and multiple digital features of the geometry; Compare the second source descriptor with the first source descriptor; The potential second target geometry in the region of the second source component is examined, and a second target descriptor is calculated based on the second target geometry; Compare the second source descriptor with the second target descriptor; Determine that the second target descriptor matches the second source descriptor; as well as An instance of the second target component is created based on the second target descriptor.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the following steps: The second source component is highlighted using the selected component visual indicator, and the second target geometry is highlighted using the second target visual indicator.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The geometry surrounding the selected component includes the axis.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The second source component is located in the second surface of the assembly.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The second target component is located in the second surface.

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The second target component differs from the first target component in at least one dimension.

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