Finite Element to CAD Conversion via Feature Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for generating computer-aided design (CAD) models from finite element models are limited in their ability to effectively integrate and convert features and parameters, leading to inefficiencies in the conversion process and compatibility with various CAD software.

Innovation Solution

A method that identifies and characterizes features of interest in finite element models, creates intermediate data structures, performs feature recognition, extracts features and properties, and uses these to generate a CAD model compatible with multiple CAD software systems, such as Parasolid, CATIA, and ProE.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current methods are used to generate CAD models from finite element models, then the conversion process is simple, but the integration and conversion of features and parameters is limited and incompatible with various CAD software

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with CAD softwareVSAvoidcomplexity of conversion process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate data structures as a mediator between finite element models and CAD models. These intermediate structures serve as a translation layer that converts finite element mesh data into CAD-compatible formats, enabling compatibility with multiple CAD software systems (Parasolid, CATIA, ProE) without requiring complex direct conversion methods for each system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion process is segmented into distinct modular steps: identifying features of interest, creating intermediate data structures, performing feature recognition, extracting features and properties, and generating the CAD model. This segmentation allows each step to be independently optimized and makes the overall process more manageable and adaptable to different CAD systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If feature recognition is performed on the entire finite element model at once, then the process is straightforward, but the accuracy of feature identification decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of feature identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The finite element model is divided into mesh regions, and feature recognition is performed on each region separately rather than on the entire model at once. This segmentation enables more accurate identification of local features by reducing the complexity of the analysis scope for each recognition operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Intermediate data structures are created before feature recognition to organize and pre-process the mesh data. This preliminary action prepares the data in a format that facilitates more accurate feature identification during the recognition phase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10019543B1Converting finite element models to CAD models using feature recognition

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 D&E US PARENT LLC

AI summary

A method of creating a CAD model from a finite element model includes identifying and characterizing features of interest from the finite element model. Multiple intermediate data structures of the finite element model are created by dividing the input mesh of the finite element model into mesh regions. Feature recognition is performed on each intermediate data structure to identify finite element model features. Features and feature properties are extracted from the finite element model, and a CAD model is created using the extracted features and feature properties.