Flattened Wiring Harness Layout Updates for 3D Route Length Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design process for wiring harnesses is complex, cumbersome, inefficient, and prone to errors, particularly when changes in route segment lengths are made, as existing systems fail to effectively incorporate these changes into flattened two-dimensional representations while preserving the visual layout.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based method and system that generates a flattened, two-dimensional visual representation of a wiring harness, allowing for modifications in the three-dimensional model to be reflected in the two-dimensional layout without significantly disrupting the existing visual layout, by preserving the changes made to the flattened configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the three-dimensional model is modified to change route segment length, then the accuracy of the wiring harness design is improved, but the flattened two-dimensional representation becomes disrupted and requires repetitive edits
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements an automated feedback mechanism where changes to the three-dimensional model are automatically reflected in the flattened two-dimensional representation. When a user modifies a route segment length in the 3D model, the system detects this change and automatically updates the corresponding 2D flattened view, eliminating the need for manual re-editing and maintaining synchronization between both representations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary computation of the flattened representation from the three-dimensional model before any user edits are made. This pre-computed flattened view serves as the initial state, and subsequent automatic updates are built upon this foundation, allowing for efficient propagation of changes without requiring complete re-generation of the 2D representation from scratch.
2Ease of operation
If the visual layout of the flattened representation is preserved during updates, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to reflect changes in route segment length is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wiring harness into distinct route segments, each with its own length and geometric properties. This segmentation allows the system to independently adjust the length of individual segments in the three-dimensional model while maintaining the overall visual layout structure. The flattened representation is then updated to reflect only the length changes of specific segments without disrupting the global arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality changes by modifying only the specific route segments that require length adjustment, while leaving the rest of the wiring harness layout unchanged. This localized approach allows the visual layout to be preserved in most areas while accurately reflecting the updated dimensions in the affected segments, balancing consistency with precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complete re-generation of the flattened representation is performed after each modification, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to repetitive edits
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing a complete re-generation of the flattened representation after each modification, the system applies partial updates that only affect the specific route segments that have changed. This selective regeneration approach maintains manufacturing precision for the modified areas while significantly reducing the time required compared to complete re-generation of the entire flattened view.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-based method includes generating, in a virtual two-dimensional viewing environment, a flattened, two-dimensional visual representation of an initial three-dimensional model of a wiring harness based on user input. The two-dimensional representation of the initial model has an initial visual layout. The method includes subsequently modifying the initial three-dimensional model to generate a modified three-dimensional model in response to additional user input. Specifically, at least one route segment in the wiring harness in the modified model has a different length than the corresponding route segment in the initial model. The method then includes generating, in the virtual two-dimensional viewing environment, a flattened, two-dimensional visual representation of the modified three-dimensional model. The flattened two-dimensional visual representation of the modified model has the route segment length of the modified three-dimensional model but otherwise preserves the visual layout of the flattened, two-dimensional representation of the initial three-dimensional model.