CAD Object Proofing via Automated Rule Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computer-aided design (CAD) objects often fail to ensure manufacturability due to improper dimensioning, tolerances, and missing information, leading to non-manufacturable apparatuses, as existing systems lack effective tools for thorough proofing and validation of CAD drawings and models.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for proofing CAD objects using a computer system with a processor and memory, which includes a tolerance proofing tool, note proofing tool, and process-specific tools to extract items of interest, compare them with rules based on material or process criteria, and tag items for manufacturability assessment, ensuring compliance with defined standards and rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If CAD objects include detailed dimensioning and tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for comprehensive proofing tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensioning and tolerancesVSAvoidproofing tool complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proofing tool is divided into multiple specialized modules: a tolerance proofing tool for dimensional validation, a note proofing tool for requirement verification, and a process-specific tool for manufacturing feasibility assessment. Each module independently validates specific aspects of the CAD object, making the overall complex system manageable through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary validation layer between CAD design and manufacturing execution. The proofing tools act as mediators that automatically verify CAD objects against manufacturing rules before production, preventing non-manufacturable designs from reaching the manufacturing stage without requiring direct human intervention in every validation detail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If comprehensive proofing validation is performed on all CAD objects, then reliability of manufacturability is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive validation processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturability validationVSAvoidproofing validation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation by checking CAD objects against manufacturing rules and standards before actual manufacturing begins. The proofing tools automatically assess dimensioning, tolerances, and notes in advance, identifying potential manufacturability issues early in the design phase rather than during production, thereby preventing time-consuming rework later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual review processes with automated computer-based proofing tools. Instead of requiring human experts to manually examine each CAD object for manufacturability, the automated tools systematically validate designs against predefined rules, significantly reducing validation time while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated proofing tools are implemented, then productivity is improved by reducing manual review, but device complexity increases due to software integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturability assessment efficiencyVSAvoidsoftware integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proofing system is designed as a universal platform that can validate multiple types of CAD objects (drawings, models, specifications) across different manufacturing processes. The same core architecture handles tolerance validation, note verification, and process-specific checks, allowing the system to serve multiple functions without requiring separate specialized tools for each validation type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If detailed rules and standards are enforced for material and process criteria, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens due to stricter compliance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompliance with material and process rulesVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables designers to self-validate their CAD objects using the integrated proofing tools before submission for manufacturing. By providing immediate feedback on compliance with material and process rules, the system allows designers to self-correct issues during the design phase, reducing the need for external review and maintaining design flexibility while ensuring precision compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8065116B2Systems, methods, and tools for proofing a computer-aided design object

Publication Date: 2011.11.22 ROBERT BOSCH CORP

AI summary

Systems, methods, and tools for proofing computer-aided design (CAD) objects (e.g., CAD drawings or models). The objects are implemented with CAD software and represent an apparatus. An exemplary method includes receiving a CAD object representing the apparatus, determining criteria for proofing the CAD object, determining rules, extracting items of interest from the CAD object, comparing the extracted items with the rules, and tagging the extracted items based on the comparisons. An exemplary criterion for proofing the CAD object is the process (e.g., a type of casting process) for the apparatus to be manufactured with.