CAD Assembly Positioning with Simultaneous Candidate Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems are cumbersome for designers when positioning objects in assemblies, as they often require manual alignment of small parts and do not provide a comprehensive set of possible positions, leading to increased design time and errors.
Innovation Solution
A method for designing assemblies in CAD systems that involves selecting objects with interface information, computing and displaying multiple positions relative to each other, ranking these positions based on user-defined criteria, and using transparency and visibility levels to intuitively present solutions, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used to position objects in assemblies, then designers have precise control over object placement, but the design time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-computes a set of candidate positions for the first object relative to the second object before the designer makes a selection. This preliminary computation of multiple valid positions eliminates the need for time-consuming manual trial-and-error alignment, while still providing precise positioning options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying representations of multiple computed positions simultaneously, allowing the designer to see all valid positioning options at once. This feedback mechanism enables quick comparison and selection without repeated manual adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used to position objects in assemblies, then designers can place objects precisely, but the number of operations and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically computes and presents multiple valid positions based on interface information from the selected objects. This self-service capability eliminates the need for designers to perform complex manual alignment operations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision through algorithmic position calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated computational system that calculates valid positions based on geometric constraints and interface information. This substitution transforms a complex manual process into an automated intelligence-based system.
3Ease of operation
If only one position is provided between two objects, then the interface is simple, but the designer cannot evaluate multiple solutions or determine the best position
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the number of displayed positions based on the designer's needs and the complexity of the assembly task. It provides a set of candidate positions that can vary in number and detail, allowing the interface to remain simple while offering comprehensive solution options when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension to the positioning interface by displaying multiple positions simultaneously rather than sequentially. This dimensional change in the user interface allows designers to compare multiple solutions at once without overwhelming the interface, maintaining simplicity while increasing versatility.
4Productivity
If the system computes and displays multiple positions simultaneously, then the designer can select the best solution easily, but the computational load and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the computation process by first identifying interface information from selected objects, then computing candidate positions based on geometric constraints, and finally filtering and displaying relevant positions. This segmentation of the computational process manages complexity while maintaining high productivity through efficient staged processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as the number of displayed positions, the level of detail in position representations, and the filtering criteria based on the specific assembly context. This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between computational load and productivity gains for different design scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method for designing an assembly of objects in a system of computer-aided design, the method comprising: (i) selecting a first object and a second object of the assembly, each of the first object and the second object having interface information; (ii) computing a set of positions of the first object relatively to the second object of the assembly; and (ii) displaying simultaneously representations of the computed positions of the first object relatively to the second object.