Parametric Network Part Editing Using CAD Interface Grips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD software for utility networks is time-consuming and error-prone when modifying network parts, as users must individually edit and replace 2D drawing objects to change properties, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially during design-build cycles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of grips within the CAD model allows users to easily edit network parts by selecting and modifying attributes such as size, location, and rotation, with automatic updates to connected parts and views, using a parts catalog for real-world components like pipes and structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users edit network parts by individually modifying 2D drawing objects, then basic editing capability is provided, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple related 2D drawing objects into a single parametric network part object. When users modify a network part using grips, the system automatically updates all associated 2D objects (lines, arcs, etc.) that represent that part, eliminating the need to edit each object individually and significantly reducing editing time and errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The network part object serves multiple functions: it represents the utility network component in 3D space, generates corresponding 2D drawing objects for visualization, and maintains parametric properties that can be edited through grips. This multi-functionality allows a single object to replace multiple separate 2D objects while providing enhanced editing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users replace parts in a parts catalog to change properties, then part substitution is possible, but the process requires deleting and replacing parts along with updating connections and attributes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes network parts dynamic and parametric rather than static. Users can modify part properties (such as pipe diameter, structure dimensions, etc.) by interacting with grips that directly adjust the parameters of the network part object. The system dynamically updates all related 2D objects and connections in real-time, eliminating the need to delete and replace parts entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The network part object automatically manages its own representation and connections. When users modify a network part's properties through grips, the system self-updates all associated 2D drawing objects, connection relationships, and attributes without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the modification process significantly.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple 2D drawing objects are used to represent network parts, then basic visualization is achieved, but the representation does not adequately portray real-world parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension to network part representation by using parametric 3D modeling concepts in a 2D CAD environment. Network parts are represented as parametric objects with spatial coordinates, dimensions, and geometric properties that accurately reflect real-world utility network components. This dimensional enhancement allows simple 2D visualization while maintaining precise 3D-like representation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for editing network parts present a computer-aided design (CAD) model of a utility network using grips. The network parts may represent elements present in a real-world utility network. Among others, the grips may include a part size grip and a structure rotation grip. When a user selects a part size grip, a graphical user interface may display hash marks to indicate a variety of sizes of the network part provided by a network parts catalog. Dragging the resize grip may cause it to jump from one hash mark to the next, allowing the user to easily select one of the available part sizes. A structure rotation grip may be used to rotate a network part representing a utility network structure about an asymmetric axis.