Parametric CAD Graph for Sheet Metal Design and Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Parametric CAD software struggles to handle domain-specific modeling, such as sheet metal, by conflicting feature ordering that hinders simultaneous display and editing of design and manufacturing views, lacking integrated solutions for manufacturing intent and design intent separation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing domain-specific modeling with a graph representation within parametric CAD systems, allowing multiple 3D geometry configurations and metadata tracking, enabling simultaneous display and editing of design and manufacturing views through user interface tools and algorithms that generate and manage multiple representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parametric CAD software uses feature ordering to capture design intent, then design intent is preserved, but manufacturing intent (such as bend order and flat pattern optimization) cannot be properly handled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the model representation into multiple independent views: a design view that preserves feature ordering for design intent, and one or more manufacturing views that handle manufacturing-specific requirements like bend order and flat patterns. Each view operates independently with its own feature sequence, allowing both design intent and manufacturing intent to be maintained without conflict.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing parametric CAD solutions generate sheet metal representations as operations applied to a model, then sheet metal modeling is achieved, but simultaneous display and editing of design and manufacturing views is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to the user interface by displaying multiple views of the same model simultaneously in different dimensions or orientations within the same workspace. The design view and manufacturing views are presented side-by-side or in overlapping arrangements, allowing users to interact with both representations concurrently without switching between separate applications or sequences.
3Ease of operation
If direct modeling CAD solutions provide side-by-side modeling capability, then domain-specific modeling is handled better, but the solution cannot be incorporated into parametric CAD systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal framework that can operate within parametric CAD systems while supporting multiple modeling approaches. The system allows users to switch between design-driven and manufacturing-driven workflows, and can handle various domain-specific applications (sheet metal, weldments, wire-harness) through a common multi-view architecture that integrates with existing parametric CAD data structures and operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple simultaneous representations are achieved through the capture essential geometry and topology in a master graph. Object information is captured in metadata associated with elements of this graph. An algorithm builds multiple domain specific representations based on the master graph and metadata. The summary of model objects is created based on metadata. Through this abstraction, desired representations (in this case for design and for manufacturing) may be generated and presented simultaneously with associativity.