Distributed Routing Path for Collaborative Mechanical Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-aided design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems face challenges in efficiently managing and collaborating on the development of complex mechanical routing systems, particularly in creating and modifying three-dimensional (3D) virtual routing systems that involve multiple elements and connections, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for explicit wireframe path management and concurrent design complexities.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a distributed routing path approach, where the routing path is defined by connections between elements stored in a data store, allowing for dynamic rendering and enabling concurrent design by users working on different subsets of the system without managing the shape of the path explicitly, thus facilitating collaborative development and reducing the need for explicit wireframe path management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If explicit wireframe path management is used in traditional CAD systems, then the routing path can be precisely defined, but the system complexity increases and collaboration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system is segmented into independent elements (pipes, ducts, equipment) that can be individually managed and connected through data specifications. Each element maintains its own geometry and properties, while the routing path emerges from their connections rather than being explicitly defined as a separate wireframe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The explicit mechanical wireframe path management system is replaced with a data-based connection specification system. Instead of manually managing wireframe paths, the system uses data structures to define connections between elements, allowing automated rendering and simplifying collaboration.
2Productivity
If multiple users work concurrently on the same routing system, then collaboration improves, but data consistency and validation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system is divided into independent elements that can be concurrently modified by different users. Each element can be edited independently without requiring locks on the entire routing path, enabling simultaneous work while maintaining data integrity through the modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback mechanisms that validate connections and maintain consistency when multiple users modify elements. The data structure automatically tracks connections between elements, providing real-time validation and ensuring routing path integrity without requiring manual coordination.
3Loss of information
If explicit wireframe paths are managed in large routing systems, then the complete path can be tracked, but data management costs and validation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The explicit wireframe path data is extracted and replaced with connection specifications between elements. The routing path information is derived from the relationships between elements rather than being stored as separate path data, reducing data management overhead while preserving complete routing information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically generates and validates routing path information from element connections without requiring manual path management. The data structure self-updates when elements are modified, eliminating the need for separate path validation processes and reducing data management time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (100) and method is provided that facilitates collaborative development of virtual mechanical routing. A processor (102) of the system responsive to inputs provided through at least one input device (110) may generate a design for a routing run (120) comprised of a set of elements and cause a distributed routing path (122) corresponding to the routing run to be stored in a data store (112). The distributed routing path may be comprised of data that specifies two end elements (502, 508) and a plurality of routing path links (604, 606) that specify connections between a plurality of intermediate elements (504, 506) and between each end element and a respective one of the intermediate elements. The processor may also cause a display device (108) to output a 3D representation (800) of the routing run based at least in part on the distributed routing path stored in the data store, and data representative of the physical structures (116) of the end elements and the intermediate elements that are specified by the routing path links of the distributed routing path.