Functional Layout Document for CAD Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems are inefficient for early-stage conceptual engineering design due to their monolithic approach, leading to increased costs, errors, and prolonged project timelines, as designers must use multiple software tools and manual methods, resulting in inconsistent data models and limited reusability.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Functional Layout Document (FLD) with a Functional Component Description (FCD) that allows for a flexible, incremental data model, enabling seamless interaction of loosely-connected subsystems and facilitating the integration of multiple engineering design systems, allowing designers to focus on creative tasks and reducing manual work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a monolithic design approach is used in CAD systems, then detailed 3D modeling capability is improved, but early stage conceptual design flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the design process into distinct phases (early stage conceptual design and detailed 3D modeling) and provides different data structures for each. The Functional Layout Document (FLD) with Functional Component Description (FCD) handles early stage design with flexible, loose connections, while traditional CAD handles detailed modeling with precise geometric constraints. This segmentation allows each phase to use the most appropriate data structure without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the system to switch between different data structure modes based on the design phase. The FLD/FCD approach enables dynamic modification of functional relationships and loose connections during conceptual design, while automatically transitioning to rigid geometric constraints when detailed modeling is required. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between flexibility and precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disparate software tools are used for early stage design, then design flexibility is improved, but operational cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple design tools and approaches into a single integrated CAD system by incorporating the FLD/FCD functionality. Instead of requiring separate software for conceptual design and detailed modeling, the system integrates both capabilities with a unified interface. The FLD serves as a container that can hold functional descriptions, calculations, and eventually link to detailed 3D models, eliminating the need for multiple disparate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The FLD/FCD structure serves multiple functions across different design phases. It can store functional requirements, perform calculations, maintain loose connections between components, and eventually export to detailed CAD models. This multi-functional capability replaces what previously required multiple specialized tools, reducing software complexity while maintaining design flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual data transfer between tools is used, then tool independence is maintained, but error rate and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The FLD/FCD structure serves as an intermediary data format that bridges early stage conceptual design and detailed 3D modeling. Instead of manual data transfer between tools, the FCD acts as a structured intermediate representation that can be automatically processed and transformed. This intermediary format maintains data consistency through structured relationships while enabling automatic data flow between design phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary structuring of design data in the FCD format during early stage design, preparing the data for automatic transformation later. Functional relationships, component descriptions, and calculations are established in advance with proper structure and constraints. This preliminary action enables automatic data transfer and reduces errors by ensuring data is properly formatted before the transition to detailed modeling.
4Manufacturing precision
If a rigid data model is used, then downstream operations precision is improved, but early stage design reusability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data model into two distinct structures: the FCD for early stage design with loose connections and high reusability, and the detailed CAD model for downstream operations with precise geometric constraints. Each segment serves its specific purpose optimally. The FCD allows easy modification and reuse of functional relationships, while the detailed model provides precision for manufacturing and downstream operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic data model selection based on the design phase and downstream operation requirements. During early stage design, the flexible FCD structure is used with loose connections that allow easy reusability. When transitioning to downstream operations, the system dynamically generates precise geometric models from the FCD, providing the necessary precision while maintaining the ability to reuse functional relationships from the original FCD.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to integrate multiple engineering design systems in a computer aided design (CAD) system. A design generator is displayed and used to create an engineering design that has different worksheets. Each worksheet represents a different aspect of the design, has local design objects that represent functional aspects of a component that are independent from the component's physical representation, and relation objects that models constraints for properties of the design objects. The objects are organized into a functional layout document (FLD) that is stored in a data center/database that is shared by the worksheets. The FLD is then used to design an engineering design/model.