Automated Arc Generation in 3D CAD Block Diagrams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer-aided design (CAD) systems for manufacturing lack ergonomic solutions for automatically computing and adding arcs in a block representation of a product, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that displays both a 3D shape representation and a 2D block representation simultaneously, allowing users to interact graphically with the 2D block representation to select block nodes, automatically determine and add arcs between selected and new block nodes, and update the 3D shape representation accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually create and add arcs to connect block nodes in the 2D block representation, then the connection between block nodes is established, but the user burden and time required for the design process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and adds arcs between block nodes based on the selected nodes and operator type, without requiring manual user intervention. The computer system performs the arc-creation task itself, transforming a manual operation into an automated process that reduces user burden and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-determines the appropriate arcs to be added based on the selected block nodes and operator type before the user completes the connection process. By calculating and preparing the arc connections in advance, the system eliminates the need for users to manually create each arc, thereby reducing the time required for the design process
2Ease of operation
If the system provides manual arc creation capabilities, then users have control over arc placement, but the device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and adds arcs based on the selected block nodes and operator type, eliminating the need for manual arc creation interfaces and controls. This automation reduces both the user burden and the complexity of the system by removing manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the arc-creation functionality from manual user operations and transfers it to automated system processing. By removing the manual arc creation step, the system simplifies the user interface and reduces complexity while maintaining the essential connection functionality
3Ease of operation
If the system displays only the 2D block representation, then the interface is simpler, but users lose the ability to visualize the 3D shape during the design process
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the 2D block representation interface with 3D shape visualization into a single integrated display. This combination allows users to interact with the 2D block diagram while simultaneously viewing the corresponding 3D shape, providing both graphical interaction capability and visual feedback without requiring separate displays or interfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure notably relates to a computer-implemented method for designing a 3D modeled object representing a product to be manufactured, the designing method comprising. The method comprises, by a computer system, displaying simultaneously a 3D shape representation of the 3D modeled object, and a 2D block representation of the 3D modeled object. The method also comprises by a user interacting graphically with the 2D block representation, performing a selection of one or more block nodes among the at least one block node, upon user-action, adding to the 2D block representation a block node representing a respective operator of the subset, and automatically determining a respective arc between the output connector of each selected block node and a respective input connector of the added block node. The disclosure improves ergonomics.