Notch Blend Recognition in CAD BRep Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synchronous modeling in CAD systems faces challenges with consumed geometry, particularly notch blends, where one underlying face is lost, making it difficult to re-create and work with, especially when design changes are needed, as existing blend identification tools fail to recognize notch blends due to missing underfaces.
Innovation Solution
The method involves recognizing notch blends by their circular cross-section and smooth/non-smooth conditions, chaining connected blends, labeling them, and reconstructing consumed underfaces to enable re-blending, even in imported models, using a data processing system that identifies and manipulates notch blends within BRep models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing blend identification tools are used, then general blend recognition is achieved, but notch blends cannot be recognized due to missing underfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure (label) that stores information about consumed underfaces. This label acts as a mediator between the notch blend geometry and the reconstruction process, enabling the system to recognize and recover notch blends even when underfaces are missing from the BRep model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and labeling of notch blends during the import or initial processing stage. By detecting characteristic geometries (circular cross-sections with specific smooth/non-smooth transitions) and attaching labels with underface information before reconstruction is needed, the system prepares the data structure in advance for efficient recovery operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If consumed geometry is not recovered, then model simplicity is maintained, but design changes and re-blending become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the consumed underface information by storing it in a label attached to the notch blend. Instead of reconstructing the actual geometry immediately, the system preserves a data representation of the underface (its shape, position, and relationship to the notch blend), which can be used for reconstruction when design changes are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the notch blend data by adding a label parameter that contains underface information. This parameter change transforms the notch blend from an unrecognized geometry into a labeled feature that can be identified, reconstructed, and edited, enabling design changes without fundamentally altering the core data structure.
3Productivity
If notch blends are not identified and labeled, then processing speed is maintained, but re-blending and editing capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and labeling of notch blends during the import or initial processing stage. By detecting characteristic geometries (circular cross-sections with specific smooth/non-smooth transitions) and attaching labels with underface information before reconstruction is needed, the system prepares the data structure in advance for efficient recovery operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for computer-aided design and visualization and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes receiving a BRep model and recognizing a plurality of notch or cliff blends in the BRep model. The method includes defining a chain of at least two of the plurality of notch blends. The method includes labeling the notch blends in the chain. The method includes storing the BRep model, including one or more of the recognized notch blends, the chain, and the labels of the notch blends.