Explicit Ply Representation in 3D CAD Composite Models
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-aided design (CAD) methods for composite structures are limited by implicit representations of plies, making it difficult to visualize and interrogate design intent information, such as ply thickness, orientation, and stacking, especially in model-based definitions, leading to file size issues and relational complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of explicit representations for individual plies as solids or closed tessellated volumes, allowing for proper spatial orientation and compatibility with computer-based viewer programs, enabling clear visualization and derivation of design intent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If implicit ply representations are used in CAD, then file size is reduced and relational complexity is minimized, but visualization and interrogation of design intent information becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure is segmented into individual ply representations, where each ply is explicitly defined with its own geometric data, material properties, and orientation parameters. This segmentation allows design intent information to be directly accessible for each ply without requiring complex specialized software to interpret implicit relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional drawing-based approaches to three-dimensional model-based explicit representations. Each ply is represented as a 3D solid or shell with explicit thickness, allowing visualization and interrogation of design intent in three dimensions without requiring specialized interpretation software.
2Loss of information
If plies are represented as surfaces in model-based definition, then visualization improves over 2D drawings, but ply thickness and stacking information remain implied rather than explicit
Solution Approach 1:
Each ply is assigned local quality through explicit geometric representations that include thickness information inherent to the solid or shell definition. This allows each ply to maintain its specific thickness and stacking characteristics as explicit properties rather than implied data, improving design intent accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If explicit ply representations as solids are implemented, then visualization and access to design intent information improves, but file size and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The explicit ply representation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides visualization, stores design intent information, enables interrogation of ply properties, and supports manufacturing data extraction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate data structures and specialized software, thereby managing data volume efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional drawing-based approaches are used, then file size is managed, but model-based definition capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates design intent information directly into the ply definition data structures before manufacturing or analysis processes. By preliminarily encoding thickness, material, orientation, and stacking information in the explicit geometric representations, the system enables model-based definition capabilities without losing design intent information.
Data Source
AI summary
A three dimensional Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of a composite part to include a plurality of plies is described. The model includes an explicit representation for each individual ply utilized to form the composite part, where each individual ply is created as one of a solid or tessellated volume. Each ply representation is in a proper spatial orientation with related component definitions.