Automated Corner Trim for Structural Member Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing and simulating complex structures in CAD/CAE systems is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the manual process of defining and applying corner trims at multiple joints in structural members, which requires significant user effort and is prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing automated corner trimming functionality in CAD systems that applies predefined trim rules based on the geometry and location of structural members, allowing for automatic trimming of joints with two or more members, including linear and circular patterns, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual corner trimming is performed for each joint, then trimming precision can be controlled, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the CAD system automatically identifies joints and applies predefined trim rules without requiring manual intervention for each corner. The automated corner trim functionality detects structural members meeting at joints and applies appropriate trimming based on stored rules, allowing the system to service itself rather than requiring continuous user input for each trimming operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining trim rules and storing them in the CAD system before actual trimming operations. These predefined rules are established in advance and can be automatically retrieved and applied during the corner trimming process, eliminating the need for manual rule creation for each joint and significantly reducing the time required for trimming operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual corner trimming is performed for each joint, then trimming accuracy can be maintained, but human error increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the automated corner trim functionality continuously monitors the CAD model, identifies joints where structural members meet, and automatically applies the appropriate trim rules. The system provides feedback by detecting the current state of the model and adjusting the trimming process accordingly, ensuring accuracy while reducing time consumption through automated detection and application of trim rules.
3Productivity
If automated corner trimming is implemented, then time and effort are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by creating a multi-functional automated corner trim functionality that can handle various joint configurations and structural member arrangements through a single integrated system. The predefined trim rules are designed to be universally applicable to different corner types, allowing the same automated system to manage diverse trimming scenarios without requiring separate specialized tools for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the complex corner trimming process into distinct manageable components: joint detection, rule selection, and trim rule application. By dividing the automated corner trim functionality into these separate segments, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining high productivity. Each segment can be independently optimized and debugged, making the complex automation more manageable and easier to implement.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to functionality for automatically trimming structural members in computer-aided design (CAD) models. An embodiment obtains a CAD model that includes a joint where a first structural member and a second structural member meet at an extremity of at least one of the first structural member and the second structural member. In turn, trimming is automatically applied to the joint using one or more processor executed rules. The one or more rules indicate the applied trimming based upon (i) geometry of the first structural member, (ii) geometry of the second structural member, and (iii) location of the joint where the first structural member and the second structural member meet.