Interactive DFX Rule Builder for 3D CAD Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Creating custom Design for Excellence (DFX) rules for 3D CAD models requires programming skills, making the process time-consuming and costly, and often necessitates a dedicated team of expert programmers, which is not feasible for many organizations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow subject matter experts to interactively create, execute, and manage DFX rules through a Graphical User Interface (GUI), eliminating the need for programming skills by defining rule definition data, parameter expressions, and generating rule definition files without requiring development tools or knowledge of programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom DFX rules are created using programming languages and development tools, then the rules can be precisely defined and executed, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires a dedicated team of expert programmers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rule builder application as an intermediary tool between domain experts and the DFX rule execution system. This application provides a graphical user interface that allows experts to define rules using intuitive form fields and dropdown menus rather than programming languages, while the system automatically translates these definitions into executable rules. This mediator eliminates the need for experts to learn programming while maintaining rule execution accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of programming and coding with a graphical user interface-based rule definition system. Instead of requiring experts to write, compile, and debug code, the system uses visual interfaces where rules are defined through form fields, checkboxes, and dropdown selections. This substitution eliminates the mechanical complexity of programming while preserving the ability to define precise DFX rules.
2Reliability
If a dedicated team of expert programmers is assembled to create custom rules, then high-quality rules can be developed, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables domain experts to create and maintain their own DFX rules independently through the rule builder application. Experts can define rules using their subject matter knowledge without requiring programming assistance, and the system automatically handles rule translation, validation, and execution. This self-service capability eliminates the need for dedicated programmer resources while maintaining high rule quality through expert domain knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The rule builder application serves as an intermediary that bridges domain expertise and rule execution. It translates expert knowledge into executable rules automatically, eliminating the need for programmer intermediaries. The application handles all technical complexities of rule creation, allowing domain experts to focus solely on defining the business logic without resource consumption on programming staff.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programming skills are required for rule creation, then complex rules can be implemented, but the ease of operation decreases and modifications become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rule builder application acts as an intermediary layer that translates complex rule logic into simple graphical interface operations. Experts interact with the system through intuitive form fields and dropdown menus rather than programming code. The application automatically handles the complexity of rule translation, validation, and execution, allowing experts to define complex rules without understanding the underlying programming mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical programming process with a graphical user interface system. Instead of requiring experts to write, compile, and debug code, the system provides visual tools for rule definition. This substitution maintains the ability to handle complex rule logic while dramatically improving ease of operation through intuitive graphical interactions rather than programming syntax.
4Productivity
If custom rules are developed at a faster pace, then time-to-market decreases, but the reliability of rule execution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rule builder application provides an intermediary validation layer that ensures rule correctness before execution. The graphical interface includes built-in validation mechanisms that check rule syntax, logic consistency, and parameter compatibility in real-time. This validation intermediary prevents errors from reaching the execution stage, maintaining reliability even when rules are developed quickly without programming review processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through real-time validation and error checking in the rule builder interface. As experts input rule definitions, the system provides immediate feedback on potential issues, syntax errors, or logical inconsistencies. This continuous feedback loop ensures rule execution accuracy while enabling faster rule development, as experts can correct issues instantly without waiting for separate code review cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to method and system for interactively creating, executing, and managing Design for Excellence (DFX) rules for 3-Dimensional (3D) Computer Aided Design (CAD) models. The method may include receiving rule definition data corresponding to a DFX rule for a process associated with the 3D CAD model from a subject matter expert through a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The rule definition data include basic details, definition criteria, and default configuration. Each of the basic details, the definition criteria, and the default configuration include a plurality of data elements. The method may further include defining parameter expressions with a set of supported parameters for the process using a set of parameter data components of the process. The method may further include generating a rule definition file for the DFX rule based on the rule definition data and the set of supported parameters obtained from the DFX rule builder.