Master Source Model for Dynamic CAD Build Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a mechanism to dynamically create a build set and bill of materials from user-selected options based on a single master source model, particularly in computer-aided design (CAD) for applications like viewing and pricing model homes with various options, where options can be simple, complex, or intersecting, affecting different parts of the building design.
Innovation Solution
The system processes CAD drawings to create a build set by applying user-selected options to CAD objects, evaluating option strings, and manipulating CAD objects to generate a bill of materials (BOM) that allows for cost comparisons between different design configurations, using a build set processor and BOM processor that interact with a user interface and database to manage CAD objects, option strings, and material quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate source models are used for different building configurations, then design flexibility and customization options are improved, but data management complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate source models into a single master source model that contains all building configurations, options, and variations. This consolidation allows the system to manage diverse design options through one unified data structure, reducing the number of separate files and references while maintaining full design flexibility through parameterized options and constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The master source model is designed as a universal data structure that can represent multiple building configurations, options, and constraints within a single model. This multi-functional approach allows the same model to serve as the basis for generating various build sets and bills of materials, eliminating the need for separate specialized models for each configuration.
2Measurement precision
If manual creation of build sets and bills of materials is performed for each configuration, then accuracy and customization are improved, but time consumption and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining all building options, constraints, and relationships within the master source model before any build set or bill of materials generation is required. This advance preparation includes establishing option dependencies, material associations, and configuration rules, which enables rapid and accurate generation of multiple build variants without manual intervention for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automated copying and instantiation of the master source model to generate multiple build sets and bills of materials. Instead of manually creating each configuration, the system creates copies of the master model with different option selections applied, automatically propagating changes through the entire bill of materials and cost calculations, thereby maintaining accuracy while dramatically reducing time consumption.
3Productivity
If a single master source model is used for all configurations, then data management efficiency and processing speed are improved, but the ability to handle complex intersecting options and constraints is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The master source model is segmented into distinct modular components representing different building options, systems, and constraints. Each option is treated as an independent selectable element with defined relationships to other options. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently process complex intersecting options by evaluating only the relevant segments based on user selections, rather than processing the entire model, thereby maintaining both speed and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for creating a build set and a BOM from user selected options from a single source model.