Automated BOM and CAD Alignment for Virtual Vehicle Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating a virtual assembly of a vehicle require manual alignment of Bill of Materials (BOM) and Computer Aided Design (CAD) information, lacking automation in generating configuration constraints for computer models of vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically generating configuration constraints by allocating computer models to logical positions, identifying feature conditions, and mapping CAD files to part numbers and usages, using constructs like sub-usages, logical positions, usage cells, and design groups to systematically connect BOM and CAD information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual alignment of BOM and CAD information is used, then flexibility and control are maintained, but productivity and time consumption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces configuration constraints as an intermediary mechanism that systematically connects BOM and CAD information. These constraints act as a mediator that automates the alignment process by establishing rules-based mappings between part numbers, usages, and geometric data, eliminating the need for manual alignment while maintaining control through structured configuration management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the alignment process into distinct components: BOM information (part numbers, usages, conditions), CAD information (geometric data, positional data), and configuration constraints (mapping rules, allocation logic). This segmentation allows each component to be processed independently and systematically connected, enabling automation without overwhelming complexity.
2Productivity
If automated generation of configuration constraints is implemented, then productivity improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining configuration constraints that establish the mapping relationships between BOM and CAD information before virtual assembly generation. These pre-established constraints include part number mappings, usage allocations, and geometric data associations, which are prepared in advance to enable rapid automated generation of virtual assemblies without requiring complex real-time processing.
3Productivity
If manual intervention is reduced, then productivity increases, but measurement precision and control may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where configuration constraints are systematically applied and validated during the virtual assembly generation process. The system checks whether BOM information correctly maps to CAD geometric data through the defined constraints, ensuring alignment accuracy is maintained. This feedback loop verifies that automated processes produce precise results by comparing expected mappings with actual generated assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A bill of material and a design layout are aligned to generate a configuration for a virtual vehicle. The bill of material includes a part number and usage associated with a part. The design layout includes a CAD model of the part. CAD models in vehicle position are generated from the design layout. Logical positions are identified based on the usage and the CAD models in vehicle position are associated with the logical positions. Feature conditions are applied to the CAD models in vehicle position representing content and position configuration.