Parametric CAD Cross-Section Modeling via Subassembly Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD applications are limited by the availability of cross-section elements, making it costly and time-consuming to provide sufficient variety, leading to complex and cumbersome systems that fail to model real-world structures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A CAD system using a graphical user interface that allows users to select and modify subassemblies with modifiable parameters, generating parameter-specific geometry for cross-sections, enabling the creation of 3-D models of longitudinal structures as a series of repeating cross-sectional elements without pre-defining all possible cross-sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional cross-section elements are provided to increase variety, then the ability to model real-world structures is improved, but the system becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-section elements are divided into subassemblies that can be independently selected and configured. Each subassembly represents a modular component (e.g., roadbed, curb, gutter, sidewalk) that can be assembled in different combinations to create various cross-section configurations, providing variety without requiring pre-definition of every possible complete cross-section.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pre-defined cross-sections to dynamic parameter-driven geometry generation. Users can modify parameters of subassemblies (dimensions, positions, orientations) and the system dynamically generates the corresponding geometry, enabling infinite variety from a limited set of parametric components.
2Ease of operation
If pre-defined cross-section elements are provided, then modeling is simplified, but the variety needed to represent real-world structures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing numerous pre-defined cross-section configurations, the system provides a limited set of subassemblies with modifiable parameters. Users can change parameters (widths, lengths, positions, slopes) to generate the specific cross-section geometry needed, combining simplicity of selection with versatility of customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses template-based subassemblies that serve as reusable patterns. These subassemblies can be copied and instantiated multiple times with different parameter values, allowing users to quickly create varied cross-sections from standardized templates without defining each unique configuration from scratch.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive catalog of all possible cross-sections is created, then complete coverage of real-world variations is achieved, but the cost and time to provide the system become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
A small set of universal subassemblies is designed to perform multiple functions and represent multiple real-world components. Each subassembly can be configured through parameters to represent different elements (e.g., a generic linear subassembly can represent roadbed, curb, gutter, or sidewalk depending on parameter values), reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parametric definitions where a single subassembly design can generate multiple variations by changing parameters. This approach allows one subassembly template to replace what would otherwise require multiple identical subassemblies with fixed geometries, significantly reducing the catalog size while maintaining the ability to represent all necessary cross-section variations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus and article of manufacture for modeling a variety of three dimensional structures that may be represented as a longitudinal series of repeating cross-sections. In one embodiment, users construct each cross section from a collection of subassembly components selected from a catalog of subassemblies. Each subassembly is represented as a data component that stores modifiable parameters, and a logic component that generates a parameter-specific geometry of the subassembly for use in a cross-section of the model. A graphical user interface allows a user to select a subassembly, to modify the parameters for the subassembly, and to integrate the subassembly element into the computer model.