Automated PMI Assignment for Deficient CAD Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual assignment of Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) to CAD models for industrial machine parts and assemblies is time-consuming, prone to human error, and inefficient, making automation challenging due to the complexity of these models.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that identify deficient CAD models missing PMI objects by querying a database of existing CAD models to assign corresponding PMI objects based on feature associations, automatically attributing and assigning PMI data to the deficient models, leveraging reference models with similar features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual labeling of CAD models with PMI is performed, then manufacturing accuracy is improved, but time consumption and resource expenditure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePMI assignment accuracyVSAvoidTime for PMI assignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system copies PMI objects from reference CAD models to deficient CAD models. When a reference model containing PMI is found, the system extracts and transfers the appropriate PMI objects to the target model, eliminating manual copying and ensuring consistency across similar parts and assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically identifying deficient CAD models, querying databases for reference models, matching features, and assigning PMI objects without human intervention. The automated engine independently completes the entire PMI assignment workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual assignment of PMI is performed, then manufacturing information accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePMI information accuracyVSAvoidCAD model processing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

PMI objects are pre-created and stored in databases associated with reference CAD models. When a deficient model is processed, the system retrieves already-prepared PMI objects from the database, eliminating the need to create them manually during the assignment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of PMI assignment from manual to automated by modifying the workflow parameters. The automated engine uses feature matching algorithms and database queries to dynamically determine which PMI objects to assign, transforming a labor-intensive process into an efficient automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automation of PMI assignment is attempted, then productivity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePMI assignment speedVSAvoidAutomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated engine serves multiple functions: it identifies deficient models, queries databases, matches features between reference and target models, and assigns PMI objects. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an intermediary database to store reference CAD models and their associated PMI objects. This database acts as a mediator between the automated engine and the CAD models, simplifying the automation process by providing structured access to reference data without requiring direct complex interactions between models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If manual PMI assignment is performed, then handling of complex CAD features is manageable, but human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveComplex feature handlingVSAvoidError rate in PMI assignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automated engine continuously verifies feature matches between reference and deficient models. The system checks whether PMI objects are appropriately assigned and can identify and correct errors, providing feedback loops that ensure accuracy in handling complex CAD features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11475179B2Systems and methods for assigning product and manufacturing information to computer-aided design models

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 GE DIGITAL HLDG LLC

AI summary

A system that renders computer-aided design (CAD) models of a part, an assembly, or both includes identifying a deficient CAD model missing expected Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) objects, based upon features not being associated with the missing expected PMI objects. The system also includes querying a database of existing CAD models to identify existing PMI objects, including a PMI reference indicating a particular type of PMI data and PMI annotation to use for the missing expected PMI objects, of a reference CAD model. The system also includes attributing a subset of the existing PMI objects to features of the deficient CAD model, by identifying features that the subset of the existing PMI objects are associated to and identifying corresponding features in features of the deficient CAD model, and assigning the subset of the existing PMI objects to the corresponding features in the of the deficient CAD model.