Interactive Truss Objects in CAD Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for modeling trusses in CAD models require significant user effort for creation and modification, as they involve manually arranging structural members or using wizards to generate and edit multiple independent drawing elements.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating and maintaining interactive truss objects in CAD models, allowing users to select a truss family, specify endpoints, and generate a layout with structural members, which can be modified and updated automatically in response to changes in the CAD model, including attachment to other objects like roofs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual arrangement of structural members is used to model a truss, then the truss can be created in the CAD model, but significant user effort and time are required for creation and modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template-based truss families that store predefined geometric patterns and structural member configurations. When a user selects a truss family, the system automatically generates the truss by copying the template definition and instantiating it with specific parameters (span, height, panel count), eliminating manual arrangement of individual members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic modification of truss properties through parameter changes. Users can modify parameters such as span length, height, and panel count, and the system automatically regenerates the truss structure by recalculating member positions and dimensions based on the updated parameters, avoiding manual re-drawing.
2Ease of operation
If independent drawing elements are used to represent structural members, then the truss can be displayed in the CAD model, but modification requires manual editing or recreating all members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent drawing elements into a single parametric truss object. The truss family template consolidates the definitions of top chords, bottom chords, and web members into one unified structure that can be modified as a whole through parameter changes, rather than editing individual members separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static independent drawing elements into a dynamic parametric system. The truss structure becomes responsive to parameter changes, automatically updating member positions, lengths, and configurations when users modify truss properties, enabling adaptive modification without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If a wizard is used to generate structural members, then automated truss creation is possible, but the members remain independent drawing elements requiring significant effort for modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining complete truss family templates with all structural member relationships, geometric patterns, and configuration rules established before actual truss creation. This preliminary setup enables rapid automated generation and future modifications without requiring users to recreate or manually adjust individual members.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a computer-aided design (CAD) application configured for generating interactive truss objects in a CAD model. In one embodiment, a truss creation tool allows the user to select a truss family and the endpoints of the truss. Based on these selections, the truss creation tool generates a layout and structural members of a truss. The truss may be maintained as an interactive object within the CAD model. Thus, a user may edit the truss object, resulting in the regeneration of the truss layout and the regeneration of the structural elements of the truss.