Dynamic Routing for Virtual Product Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing design tools lack spatial awareness and understanding of inputs and outputs in product assemblies, leading to inefficient determination of connections and increased costs, as they often require significant user expertise and do not automatically generate accurate connection lists.
Innovation Solution
A component connection routing system that uses dynamic routing based on attributes and rules to automatically connect inputs and outputs, allowing users to interact with 2D or 3D representations of products, with options for manual override, and generates assembly instructions to ensure accurate quoting and production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing design tools are used to determine connections, then users can configure product assemblies, but the tools lack spatial awareness and require significant user expertise, increasing time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically determining connections between components based on their spatial positions and connection requirements. The computer automatically generates connection information without requiring user expertise in connection determination, allowing users to simply select components while the system handles the complex connection analysis independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing connection requirements for each component. When components are selected for an assembly, the system has already prepared the connection determination logic and spatial awareness data, enabling rapid automatic connection determination without requiring users to perform complex analysis during the configuration process.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing design tools are used, then product assemblies can be configured, but connections and connection media are determined at assembly or after purchase, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs connection determination during the design and configuration phase rather than at assembly or after purchase. By calculating connections, routing paths, and required media before manufacturing begins, the system enables earlier procurement decisions and prevents costly last-minute changes or expedited ordering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by automatically generating and updating connection information as components are selected or modified in the assembly. This real-time feedback loop ensures that connection requirements are continuously validated and updated, allowing for accurate cost estimation and procurement planning throughout the design process.
3Productivity
If existing design tools are used, then users can attempt to configure connections, but the tools do not automatically generate accurate connection lists, requiring manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating accurate connection lists, routing paths, and media requirements without requiring manual user input for each connection. The computer independently analyzes component positions, identifies connection points, determines routing paths, and compiles the complete connection information, eliminating manual effort while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical connection determination with automated computer-based analysis. Instead of users manually analyzing spatial relationships and determining connections, the computer uses algorithms to automatically calculate connection requirements, substitute manual analysis with automated computational geometry and routing optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising receiving a first component control signal; receiving a second component control signal; determining connections between the components represented by the first component control signal and the second component control signal; generating an assembly control signal; and sending the assembly control signal to affect a machine state of one or more machines.