CAD Feature Attribute Mapping for Component Part Requirements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD systems face challenges in efficiently managing and applying large volumes of product and manufacturing information (PMI) to thousands of unique features, limiting their practical application and usability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-aided design (CAD) system that assigns object attributes to features using a predefined schema, allowing for the generation of information in a different format usable by downstream systems, and includes automated population and mapping of these attributes to generate a bill of characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If PMI information is attached to each feature of a part in a CAD model, then complete manufacturing and inspection information is captured, but the massive quantity of parameters becomes impractical to manage and apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the massive quantity of PMI parameters by organizing them into hierarchical groups and categories. Instead of treating each parameter individually, the system groups related parameters together, allowing users to manage information in manageable units rather than dealing with thousands of individual parameters at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the CAD model and downstream systems through the use of characterization schemas and standardized data formats. This intermediary structure translates complex PMI information into a standardized format that maintains information completeness while making it manageable and usable for different downstream applications.
2Reliability
If thousands of unique parameters are attached to CAD model features, then comprehensive feature requirements are tracked, but the practical application to the CAD model becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal characterization schema that can handle thousands of unique parameters through a standardized structure. This schema serves multiple functions: it tracks detailed requirements accurately, translates information for different downstream systems, and maintains a manageable interface for users regardless of the number of parameters involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the management approach from handling individual parameters to managing parameter groups and categories. By changing how parameters are organized and presented (from individual to grouped), the system maintains comprehensive requirement tracking while reducing the perceived complexity for users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all feature information is made available in the CAD model, then full potential of CAD systems is realized, but the practical limits of attaching information prevent this
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to information management by introducing a hierarchical organization structure and standardized characterization schemas. This additional organizational dimension allows the system to handle comprehensive feature information while maintaining manageability through structured grouping and standardized formats.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method of communicating information within a model of a component in a computer-aided design (CAD) system to a second system, the method includes accessing a CAD model of the component with a processor based device of a CAD system, the component includes a plurality of features, assigning one or more object attributes in a first format to one or more features of the CAD model, and mapping the assigned object attributes to at least one characteristic based on a predefined schema to generate information that is usable by a downstream system in a second format that differs from the first format.