Multi-Representational Model for Cast Part Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CAD systems face challenges in managing multiple models for cast parts, requiring separate files and phases for conceptual, casting, and machining designs, which limits flexibility and collaboration among design team members.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-representational model that allows for the automated generation of multiple models of a mechanical object from a single model, using specific modeling parameters to calculate design details for different phases, such as casting and machining, and storing these models in a single file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate files are used for conceptual, casting, and machining models, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate model files (conceptual, as-cast, as-machined) into a single integrated multi-representational model file. This merging maintains manufacturing precision through automated generation of different representations while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need to manage multiple separate files and their interrelationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The single model file serves multiple functions by containing different representations (conceptual, as-cast, as-machined) of the same mechanical object. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain manufacturing precision for different manufacturing phases while avoiding the complexity of separate specialized files.
2Manufacturing precision
If serial collaboration is used to pass digital product files, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all manufacturing phase information into a single multi-representational model, the patent enables simultaneous access and collaboration by multiple team members, eliminating the serial file-passing process while maintaining manufacturing precision through automated model generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically generates copies of the model for different manufacturing phases (as-cast, as-machined) from the conceptual model, allowing multiple team members to work with appropriate representations simultaneously without interfering with each other's work or reducing productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid history-based modeling is used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic modeling approach where the model can adapt to different manufacturing phases and representations. The system automatically adjusts the model representation based on the manufacturing phase (conceptual, as-cast, as-machined) while maintaining manufacturing precision through automated generation, allowing designers to modify features without being constrained by rigid history-based dependencies.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate models are used for cast parts, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate model representations into a single accessible file, allowing designers to easily switch between different manufacturing phase representations (conceptual, as-cast, as-machined) without managing multiple files. This maintains manufacturing precision while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically generates the as-cast and as-machined models from the conceptual model without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains manufacturing precision while eliminating the operational complexity of manually creating and coordinating multiple separate models.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for automating the generation of additional different models of a mechanical object from a first model by logically partitioning the different models based on parameters that are specific to the particular model being generated. All of the models are independent representations of the same mechanical object, and may represent the design of the mechanical object in different phases of the manufacturing process, for example, the conceptual design, the as-cast design, and the as-machined design. In one embodiment, upon receiving a selection of a feature for the first conceptual model from a user, the apparatus and method can automatically calculate the corresponding contributions for each of the different models. The corresponding contributions can be automatically calculated based on modeling parameters that are specific to the type of model that is to be automatically generated.