Design Assist Device Selective Model Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing design assist methods often perform unnecessary model replacement processes when modifying components, which can disrupt associations between linked components and increase designer labor, especially when modifications do not require replacing the component model or model number.

Innovation Solution

A design assist device and method that includes an acceptance unit for modifying components, a determination unit to identify special modification instructions, a search unit for standard components, and a display control unit to selectively execute model and model number replacement processes based on the search results, preventing unnecessary replacements and retaining associations between components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If model replacement process is performed for modified components, then standard component matching is achieved, but associations between linked components are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandard component matching accuracyVSAvoidassociation between linked components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the modification processing into two distinct paths: standard modifications that trigger model replacement, and special modifications that preserve associations. The determination unit divides modification instructions into categories, allowing selective application of replacement logic based on modification type rather than uniformly applying replacement to all modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the type of modification detected. When a special modification instruction is identified (such as modifications to linking parts), the system switches to a preservation mode that maintains associations. For standard modifications, it returns to replacement mode. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the replacement behavior to the specific modification context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If model replacement process is performed for all modified components, then component standardization is improved, but designer labor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent standardizationVSAvoiddesigner labor time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying model replacement to all modified components uniformly, the patent applies replacement selectively only to components with standard modifications. Special modifications (such as customizations to linking parts or functional changes) are excluded from replacement. This partial application of the replacement process eliminates unnecessary work while maintaining standardization where appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The determination unit automatically identifies special modification instructions and prevents replacement for those cases without requiring designer intervention. The system self-distinguishes between modifications that warrant standardization and those that require custom preservation, reducing the designer's burden of manually evaluating each modification case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If automatic model replacement is executed, then ordering accuracy is improved, but unnecessary replacements occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel number accuracyVSAvoidreplacement necessity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The determination unit provides a feedback mechanism that evaluates each modification instruction before executing replacement. By analyzing the modification type and identifying special instructions, the system feedback-controls the replacement process, preventing executions that would be unnecessary or harmful. This feedback loop ensures replacements occur only when truly needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of modification instructions to identify special cases before the replacement process begins. By detecting special modification instructions in advance (such as modifications to hook-shaped linking parts or other association-critical components), the system takes preventive action to avoid unnecessary replacements that would disrupt associations or lose design intent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS20220019706A1Design assist device, design assist method, and design assist program
Publication Date: 2022.01.20 MISUMI
  • US20220019706A1 patent drawing
  • US20220019706A1 patent drawing
  • US20220019706A1 patent drawing

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a design assist device that handles a component, wherein it is possible to prevent an unnecessary model replacement process for an altered component.[Solution] When an indication for altering a design component is made, determination is made as to whether or not the indication of alteration falls under the category of an indication of specific alteration and, when determined as being an indication of specific alteration (Yes in STEP 1), an alteration corresponding to the indication of specific alteration is carried out without performing a model replacement process, or when determined as not being an indication of specific alteration (No in STEP 1), a model replacement process is carried out (STEP 9). The above process makes it possible to prevent an unnecessary model replacement process from being carried out, so that association between each component after alteration is maintained and the time and effort of a designer can be reduced.