Dynamic CAD Block Look-up Table Parameter Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
CAD software users face inefficiencies in creating and managing multiple variations of blocks with similar but distinct properties, requiring manual replication and modification of blocks, which is time-consuming and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic blocks with a look-up table and constraint system allows users to create a single block definition that can be instantiated and modified independently, using parameters and actions to change its appearance and behavior, enabling efficient creation of multiple block variations through user input and property value updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If users create multiple separate block definitions for different variations, then each block can be precisely defined, but the time and effort required to create and manage multiple blocks increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple block variations into a single dynamic block definition by merging different parameter sets and property values within one block structure. This allows users to manage multiple variations (e.g., different bed sizes) in one unified definition rather than creating separate blocks for each variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic properties and parameters that allow a single block definition to adapt and change its characteristics based on selected values. The block can dynamically switch between different configurations (e.g., twin, full, queen, king sizes) through parameter adjustments, making the block definition flexible rather than static.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually replicate and modify blocks for different variations, then customizations can be made, but errors increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal block definition that can serve multiple purposes and configurations through a single definition. The dynamic block can function as different variations (e.g., multiple bed sizes) by changing parameter values, eliminating the need for separate specialized blocks for each variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements constraint systems and parameter relationships that provide automatic feedback when modifications are made. The constraint system ensures that changes to one parameter automatically adjust related parameters, preventing errors and maintaining consistency across block variations without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If a single block definition is used for multiple variations, then efficiency improves, but the ability to maintain distinct properties for each variation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the block definition into distinct parameter sets and property groups, each representing different aspects of block variations (e.g., size parameters, visibility properties, constraint definitions). This segmentation allows complex properties to be organized into manageable, independent sections that can be controlled separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes as the core mechanism to differentiate block variations. By defining multiple parameter sets with different values (e.g., length, width, height for different bed sizes) within a single block definition, the system can switch between variations by changing parameter values rather than creating separate blocks.
4Ease of operation
If multiple separate blocks are created, then each block can be independently managed, but the time required to update and maintain consistency across blocks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent block definitions into a single dynamic block structure, allowing updates to be made in one place and automatically reflected across all variations. This eliminates the need to manually update each separate block while maintaining independent manageability through parameter control.
Data Source
AI summary
A first block represents a two or three dimensional object in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model, and has a visual presentation in a presentation of the CAD model based on a first plurality of property values denoted by a first label in a plurality of labels. User input specifying a new value for a first property value in the first plurality of property values is received. A second plurality of property values denoted by a second label is selected. The second plurality of property values differs by at least one value from the first plurality of property values and the second plurality of property values has a second property value that is satisfied by the new value. The visual presentation of the first block is updated based on the second plurality of property values.