Modeling Graph Criterion for 3D CAD Relationship Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-aided design systems face challenges in efficiently integrating procedural and live relationships within 3D modeled objects, leading to unpredictable and unstable design outcomes due to the lack of a generic solution for handling cyclic data flows.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that utilizes a modeling graph with unidirectional procedural and bidirectional live relationships, ensuring all arcs in strong components are bidirectional, allowing for systematic updates and the reuse of existing solvers to maintain the integrity of the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If procedural relationships are used to define 3D modeled objects, then design efficiency is improved, but integration with live relationships becomes unpredictable and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relationships between geometrical objects into two distinct types: procedural relationships (represented by unidirectional arcs) and live relationships (represented by bidirectional arcs). This segmentation allows each type to be handled with appropriate update rules, preventing the instability that arises from mixing them without distinction. The modeling graph structure enables independent management of procedural and live relationship updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a modeling graph as an intermediary structure that mediates between procedural and live relationships. The graph provides a formal framework with defined update criteria that ensures predictable behavior when both relationship types are present. This intermediary layer translates the complex interaction between procedural and live relationships into a structured update process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both procedural and live relationships are integrated in 3D modeled objects, then design versatility is improved, but update predictability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic update behavior based on the type of relationship being modified. When a procedural relationship changes, only downstream objects are updated following the unidirectional arc orientation. When a live relationship changes, bidirectional updates occur. This dynamic adaptation of update behavior maintains predictability while supporting both relationship types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of arc directionality to encode relationship type information. Unidirectional arcs represent procedural relationships with fixed update direction, while bidirectional arcs represent live relationships with flexible update propagation. This parameter change enables the system to distinguish between relationship types and apply appropriate update rules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cyclic data flows are allowed in modeling graphs, then design flexibility is improved, but system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the modeling graph into strongly connected components (SCCs) to manage cyclic data flows. Within each SCC, all arcs are bidirectional, isolating the cycles from the rest of the graph. This segmentation prevents cycles from propagating instability throughout the entire system while still allowing flexible design within localized cyclic regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts cyclic portions of the graph into separate strongly connected components. By identifying and isolating SCCs, the system removes the potentially destabilizing cyclic data flows from the main acyclic structure. This extraction allows cycles to exist where needed for design flexibility while preventing them from compromising overall system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for designing a 3D modeled object can implement a modeling graph having nodes that represent geometrical objects and arcs that each represent a relationship, wherein procedural relationships are represented by unidirectional arcs, wherein the relationships linking the geometrical objects further include live relationships that are represented by bidirectional arcs, and wherein the provided modeling graph respects a criterion that all the arcs of each strong component of the modeling graph are bidirectional. Upon adding a relationship linking two of the geometrical objects that are included in the data defining the 3D modeled object before the addition, the method selects two geometrical objects to be linked by the relationship to be added, the selection being performed according to the criterion.