Function-Attributed Surface Tree for 3D CAD Component Definition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional engineering drawings are inadequate for describing complex three-dimensional components, particularly those with organic shapes, and cannot be directly used by manufacturing equipment or software outside the CAD environment, leading to complications in component design and manufacture due to differing industry standards.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for augmenting a three-dimensional CAD model by indexing and storing surface representations as function-attributed surface (FAS) elements with unique IDs, generating a FAS tree, and displaying scalar attributes in a CAD environment, allowing for enhanced component description and integration of product manufacturing information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional two-dimensional engineering drawings are used to represent three-dimensional components, then the component specifications can be conveyed to manufacturers, but the information capacity is limited and cannot adequately describe complex organic shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional engineering drawings to three-dimensional digital models, adding a spatial dimension to the representation. The FAS data structure captures complete 3D geometric information, surface properties, and manufacturing parameters that cannot be adequately conveyed in 2D projections, thereby eliminating information loss while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The FAS data structure functions as a composite information structure that integrates multiple types of data (geometric definitions, surface representations, manufacturing parameters, tolerances) into a unified format. This composite approach allows comprehensive component description in a single standardized structure, avoiding the information limitations of separate 2D drawings while organizing complexity systematically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different industry standards are used by various entities for conveying component geometrical definitions, then flexibility in representation is maintained, but component design and manufacture are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The FAS data structure serves as a universal standard that can represent various component types (mechanical parts, castings, organic shapes) and convey multiple types of information (geometry, tolerances, manufacturing parameters) through a single standardized format. This multi-functional capability provides the adaptability needed for diverse applications while eliminating the manufacturing complications caused by multiple competing standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs configurable parameters within the FAS data structure that can be adjusted to accommodate different component types and manufacturing requirements. By changing parameters rather than changing the entire standard, the system maintains versatility for different applications while preserving manufacturing simplicity through consistent data organization and interpretation rules.
3Loss of information
If conventional two-dimensional drawings are used, then component specifications can be communicated, but the drawings cannot be directly used by manufacturing equipment or software outside the CAD environment
Solution Approach 1:
The FAS data structure creates a digital copy of the component that preserves complete geometric and manufacturing information in a machine-readable format. This digital copy can be directly transferred to manufacturing equipment and software systems, eliminating information loss during translation from CAD to manufacturing environments while enabling full automation integration without requiring manual reinterpretation of 2D drawings.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for augmenting a three-dimensional model of a component in a computer-aided design (CAD) environment includes indexing a first three-dimensional surface representation of a first component surface of the three-dimensional CAD model as a first function-attributed surface (FAS) element by assigning the first three-dimensional surface representation a unique first FAS ID which associates the first FAS element with the component. The first component surface is one of a plurality of component surfaces of the three-dimensional CAD model of the component. The method further includes storing at least one first scalar attribute for the first FAS element as a first FAS dataset and assigning the unique first FAS ID to the first FAS dataset. The method further includes configuring the three-dimensional CAD model to display a FAS tree that includes a plurality of FAS elements associated with the component.