Cognitive CAD System Automating Topology Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems require manual re-modeling and iterative design processes, even with advanced topology optimization tools, as they are based on traditional subtractive manufacturing processes, necessitating user intervention to validate mechanical properties and performance.
Innovation Solution
A cognitive design system that uses a graphical user interface to receive user inputs on material selection, load conditions, and constraints, and iteratively optimizes material distribution within a CAD model to generate an optimized design suitable for specified manufacturing processes, reducing user burden and automating the design process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If topology optimization tools are used to provide suggestions on best geometries, then design quality is improved, but manual re-modelling by user is still required which increases device complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic re-modelling without user intervention. The computer system executes optimization routines that automatically generate final design models based on topology optimization suggestions, eliminating the need for manual re-modelling by the user while maintaining high design quality
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of user re-modelling is replaced by an automated computational system. The computer system uses algorithms and software routines to automatically transform topology optimization suggestions into final design models, substituting human manual operations with automated mechanical/computational processes
2Ease of operation
If traditional subtractive manufacturing-based CAD tools are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but automation extent is limited requiring user intervention for validation and iteration
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs validation and iterative optimization without requiring user intervention. The computer system executes routines that validate mechanical properties and performance automatically, and iteratively optimizes the design based on specified criteria, making the system self-sufficient rather than requiring continuous user input
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where optimization results are validated against specified criteria, and subsequent iterations are automatically performed based on the validation outcomes. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for manual validation cycles while maintaining ease of operation through a simple graphical interface
3Reliability
If manual design iteration is performed to validate mechanical properties, then design reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to repetitive user actions
Solution Approach 1:
Manual validation actions are replaced by automated computational routines. The computer system automatically validates mechanical properties and performance using FEA algorithms and optimization routines, substituting the time-consuming manual iteration process with fast automated computational validation that maintains or improves reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The validation and optimization process continues automatically without interruption. Instead of stopping for manual user actions at each iteration step, the system performs continuous automated validation and optimization cycles, maintaining the useful action of design improvement without the breaks and delays caused by manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-aided design (CAD) model of an article for manufacture, together with user problem definition input including materials, constraints, load conditions, preferred manufacturing processes, etc. for an optimized design of the article or material microstructure are received via a prompt-and-response graphical user interface. Based on this information, one or more routines to iteratively optimize material distribution within said article or the material microstructure design are executed in order to achieve best performance for materials, loads, and constraints specified by the user. At the completion of the optimization process, the user is presented the optimized design in a CAD file describing the optimized design of the article for the preferred manufacturing process or a newly designed material microstructure, as appropriate.