Automated Fastener Data Extraction for CAD Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems require design engineers to create two types of objects for fasteners, one for modeling and another for simulation, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to the need for manual data substitution and computational intensity.
Innovation Solution
A method to automatically analyze CAD models, identify fastener components, and derive simulation-specific data, allowing seamless transition between modeling and simulation environments by creating substituted objects with appropriate properties, thereby eliminating the need for manual object creation and data substitution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fastener geometry is included in the simulation model, then the accuracy of fastener representation is improved, but the computational time and resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential fastener properties (diameter, length, material, thread parameters) from the complete fastener geometry, creating a simplified representation that retains mechanical behavior characteristics while removing unnecessary geometric detail. This extraction approach maintains simulation accuracy for fastener-influence analysis while dramatically reducing computational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of representing the fastener by its physical geometry, the patent inverts the approach by representing it by its mechanical influence parameters (preload, stiffness, constraint characteristics). This inversion allows the simulation to capture fastener effects without requiring the actual fastener geometry, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and computational efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If manual substitution of fastener data is performed between modeling and simulation environments, then the simulation setup can be completed, but the time and effort required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system that extracts fastener data from CAD models and generates simulation-specific fastener representations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services the data conversion process by automatically identifying fastener components, extracting relevant parameters, and creating simulation-ready fastener definitions, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual substitution process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary extraction of fastener properties during the CAD modeling phase or in a pre-processing step, storing this data in a format ready for simulation import. This preliminary action ensures that when simulation setup is needed, the data is already prepared and structured, eliminating the need for manual data substitution and significantly reducing setup time.
3Reliability
If complete fastener geometry is used in simulation, then the detailed mechanical behavior is captured, but the model complexity and computational resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively representing only those geometric and material properties of the fastener that are locally relevant to the simulation analysis. Instead of modeling the entire fastener geometry with all its details, the system identifies and retains only the specific properties (thread parameters, contact surfaces, material characteristics) that locally influence the mechanical behavior being analyzed, reducing overall model complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method and system automatically creates data for use by a computer-aided simulation process. The method and system determine that a CAD model component represents a real -world object that is a fastener. The method and system automatically analyze the CAD component and derive properties for use by the simulation process. The derived properties include size data, location data, and material type data. The method and system automatically calculate a zone of influence of the CAD component on another CAD component. The simulation process utilizes at least one of the properties to calculate the zone of influence to simulate a real-world assembly of which the fastener is a component.