CAD Parametric Consistency via Dynamic Parameter Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD technologies fail to unify parametric and direct modeling paradigms, limiting the ability for users to modify CAD models consistently through direct user manipulation while adhering to dimensional constraints, and lack detection of constraint violations during movement.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that allows users to unlock parameters for direct manipulation, enabling the constraint solver to compute new numerical values and update parameter definitions, while displaying a sequence of model renderings that conform to imposed constraints, providing feedback on solvable movements and boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parameters are locked to maintain parametric consistency, then dimensional constraints are satisfied, but direct user manipulation capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the state of parameters between locked and unlocked based on user interaction. When a user initiates direct manipulation, the system temporarily unlocks affected parameters to allow movement, then recalculates to restore parametric consistency. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than rigidly locked or completely free.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the numerical values of parameters in response to user manipulation while maintaining their relationships. When a user moves an element, the system updates the parameter values to reflect the new positions while preserving dimensional constraints through recalculation, thus maintaining parametric consistency while enabling direct manipulation.
2Manufacturing precision
If dimensional constraints are enforced, then model accuracy is maintained, but user freedom to manipulate elements directly is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary recalculation of dimensional constraints before finalizing the new position after user manipulation. This preliminary action allows the system to preview whether the desired movement can satisfy constraints, and if so, to pre-compute the updated parameter values, thus maintaining accuracy while enabling user freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user about constraint satisfaction during manipulation. When a user attempts to move an element, the system calculates whether the movement can satisfy dimensional constraints and communicates this back to the user, allowing informed manipulation that maintains both accuracy and flexibility.
3Reliability
If the system prevents constraint violations, then model integrity is preserved, but user interaction flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary recalculation process between user manipulation and final model update. This intermediary step checks for constraint violations and adjusts parameter values accordingly, acting as a mediator that preserves model integrity while allowing flexible user interaction by resolving conflicts automatically rather than blocking user actions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A CAD model comprises one or more entities. A parameter and a dimensional constraint based on the parameter are received. Via direct user manipulation of an element in a GUI, wherein an element is an entity or part of an entity of the CAD model, a sequence of multiple desired movements is obtained. Upon obtaining a desired movement, a solution for the CAD model compliant with the dimensional constraint and the desired movement is computed via a constraint solver. If a solution can be computed, a rendering of the CAD model in the GUI is updated correspondingly. Via user input, the parameter is unlocked for direct user manipulation prior to the direct user manipulation. Computation of a solution via the constraint solver includes computing a new numerical value for the unlocked parameter.