Hybrid CAD Model Conversion for Parametric Data Preservation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems face challenges in efficiently modifying history-based models without losing parametric data, as redesigning features is time-consuming and exporting models without feature history removes valuable information, while existing solutions either lack power in handling complex geometries or create complex history-based features with questionable value.
Innovation Solution
A method to automatically convert select features of a CAD model to direct-edit features by analyzing dependency relationships, allowing for the creation of a hybrid model with both history-based and direct-edit features, enabling design engineers to modify geometries without re-designing dependent features and maintaining parametric data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If history-based modeling is used to maintain parametric data and design intent, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate when modifications are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CAD model into two distinct representation systems: history-based parametric features and direct-edit variational features. This segmentation allows different parts of the model to be edited using different methodologies, resolving the contradiction by enabling easy modification of specific features while preserving parametric data for other features through the hybrid approach
2Reliability
If history-based modeling is used to maintain design intent, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases when redesigning dependent features
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting features into those requiring parametric control and those requiring rapid modification, the patent allows designers to convert only the necessary features to direct-edit mode, thereby reducing redesign time while preserving design intent in the remaining history-based features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation mode for selected features from history-based parametric parameters to direct-edit variational parameters. This parameter change enables immediate geometric modification without traversing the feature history tree, significantly reducing redesign time while maintaining overall model integrity
3Ease of operation
If direct-edit modeling is used to enable easy modification, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to lack of parametric capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by allowing coexistence of two feature representation types within the same model: direct-edit features for easy modification and history-based parametric features for maintaining manufacturing precision. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both capabilities in different parts of the model simultaneously
4Productivity
If features are converted to direct-edit to enable easy modification, then productivity is improved, but loss of information increases by removing feature history
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the model into converted and unconverted features, the patent allows selective retention of feature history information. Only the features converted to direct-edit lose their history, while other features maintain their full parametric history, thus minimizing information loss while improving productivity for modified features
Data Source
AI summary
Editing features of a history-based computer-aided design (CAD) model may be difficult and may require redesigning much of the CAD model modify features. The solutions described herein allow a design engineer to modify an existing history-based CAD model by automatically determining history-based features that need to be converted to direct-edit features, creating a body of direct-edit features from the determined features, and creating a model containing both the direct-edit feature body and remaining history-based features. Such a CAD model containing both kinds of features may be referred to as a hybrid model.