CAD Constraint Addition in Graphics Mode Without Loading Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems require loading all component bodies into memory to add constraints between components, which is time-consuming and memory-intensive, especially for large and complex assemblies, limiting the ability to perform design reviews and edits in graphics mode.
Innovation Solution
Enabling users to add constraints between CAD model entities in graphics mode without loading the bodies, by accessing and storing constraint information directly in the database, allowing constraints to be created and stored without loading the entire model, using reference planes and node information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all component bodies are loaded into memory to add constraints between components, then constraint addition functionality is available, but memory usage and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the CAD model data into two categories: lightweight display information (graphics mode) and heavy computational data (bodies). Users can work with the segmented display data to add constraints without loading the heavy body data into memory, thus reducing memory usage while maintaining constraint addition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading and displaying lightweight graphics mode data that contains sufficient information for constraint selection and definition. This allows users to add constraints based on visual inspection and lightweight data before committing to loading full body data, optimizing memory usage.
2Reliability
If all component bodies are loaded into memory to add constraints, then complete model data is available for constraint creation, but processing time increases for large assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data loading process into optional stages: first load lightweight graphics mode data for quick display and constraint definition, then selectively load full body data only when and where needed for constraint verification and finalization. This segmentation reduces initial processing time while maintaining constraint creation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by loading only the necessary lightweight display data rather than all body data. This partial loading approach provides sufficient information for constraint definition in graphics mode, reducing processing time while maintaining adequate reliability for constraint creation.
3Productivity
If lightweight mode is used to display large assemblies quickly, then display performance improves, but constraint addition functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by designing the lightweight graphics mode data structure to serve multiple functions: both rapid display and constraint addition operations. The same lightweight data that enables fast display also contains sufficient information for constraint definition, allowing the mode to be universal rather than limited to display-only operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the lightweight graphics mode data to include all necessary information for constraint addition (entity positions, orientations, relationships). This preliminary preparation enables constraint editing functionality to operate directly on the lightweight data without requiring full body loading, maintaining both display speed and operational capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed methods and systems allow adding constraints (“mates”) between components of the CAD model when in a graphics mode (i.e., when bodies of the CAD model are not loaded). Information regarding CAD model entities is accessed from a computer database, where the CAD model entities belong to one or more components of the subject CAD model. A graphical representation of the subject CAD model is presented to a user without loading bodies of the subject CAD model. The user is enabled to add a constraint between first and second entities of the subject CAD model, and information for the added constraint is stored with the subject CAD model in the computer database. Displaying the model in graphics mode saves time as well as memory usage, and the added constraints persistent after resolving the components from the graphics mode.