3D Geometry Manipulators for Linear Infrastructure CAD Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional CAD applications require separate modification of 2D vertical and horizontal profiles of generally linear infrastructure elements, making it difficult for users to visualize and interact with other elements in 3D space, leading to inefficient geometry manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of horizontal and vertical geometry manipulators within a CAD application's GUI allows users to move these manipulators in 3D space, automatically updating the 2D geometry profiles to maintain tangency and elevation, enabling precise adjustments and improved visualization of infrastructure elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate 2D vertical and horizontal profile interfaces are used to manipulate geometry, then the manipulation process is structured and controlled, but the user cannot visualize how elements are positioned with respect to other elements in 3D space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D profile manipulation to 3D space manipulation by allowing users to move geometry manipulators directly in three-dimensional space. The system maintains the structured manipulation approach while adding the third dimension, enabling users to adjust horizontal and vertical positions simultaneously while visualizing the element's position relative to other elements in 3D space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces geometry manipulators as intermediary objects that bridge the gap between 2D profile control and 3D visualization. These manipulators are attached to elements and can be moved in 3D space, serving as a mediator that translates user input into precise geometric adjustments while maintaining continuous 3D visual feedback.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate 2D profile modifications are conducted in dedicated interfaces, then each profile can be manipulated independently, but the process becomes time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate horizontal and vertical profile manipulation operations into a unified 3D space manipulation process. Users can now adjust both horizontal and vertical positions of elements through a single interactive interface, eliminating the need to switch between dedicated 2D profile interfaces and significantly speeding up the geometry adjustment process while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic, real-time updates of element geometry as manipulators are moved in 3D space. The system continuously recalculates and redraws the element profiles based on manipulator positions, allowing for rapid iterative adjustments without the delays associated with sequential 2D profile editing.
3Productivity
If 3D space manipulation with real-time updates is implemented, then productivity and visualization are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geometry manipulation functionality into distinct horizontal and vertical manipulators that can be independently controlled. Each manipulator handles specific aspects of position adjustment, and the system processes their movements separately before integrating the results. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture by breaking down complex 3D manipulation into manageable, independent components.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a view of the one or more elements that represent a generally linear unit of infrastructure is displayed in a GUI of the CAD application. The CAD application generates one or more horizontal geometry manipulators and one or more vertical geometry manipulators attached along the one or more elements. In response to user input moving a horizontal geometry manipulator to a new position in 3D space, the CAD application determines a horizontal position along the one or more elements, recreates 2D horizontal geometry of the one or more elements to be tangent to the horizontal position, recreates 2D vertical geometry to maintain elevation, repositions the one or more vertical geometry manipulators along the one or more elements, and updates the view of the one or more elements in 3D space. In response to user input moving a vertical geometry manipulator to a new position in 3D space, the CAD application determines a vertical position along the one or more elements, recreates 2D vertical geometry of the one or more elements to adjust elevation based on the vertical position, and updates the view of the one or more elements in 3D space.