Parametric 3D CAD for Frame Structure Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional CAD systems require skilled operators and substantial time for designing structures composed of frame members, while two-dimensional systems are prone to design errors due to difficulty in grasping member shapes, and both systems necessitate expertise in assembly sequence and engineering knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A CAD program that allows unskilled users to design structures by inputting parameters for maximum lengths and divisions, calculating basic shapes, creating basic frames, arranging frame members, and outputting drawings, with functions for editing members, adding plate-like and fixing members, and assigning numbers, enabling quick structure design without assembly on the CAD system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a three-dimensional CAD system is used for designing structures, then the operator can readily grasp the shape of the structure and output perspective drawings useful for assembly, but the operator requires a high degree of skill and takes a longer time for design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the design process into two distinct modes: a simplified mode for unskilled users that automatically generates basic structure data from input parameters, and a detailed mode for skilled users that provides full three-dimensional CAD functionality. This segmentation allows unskilled users to complete basic design tasks quickly without needing to learn complex three-dimensional modeling, thereby reducing design time while maintaining ease of shape grasping for those who need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the three-dimensional CAD system specifically tailored for unskilled users. Instead of requiring users to master the full three-dimensional system, the patent provides a simplified interface that copies only the essential functionality needed for basic structure design, automatically generating necessary data without requiring users to manually manipulate three-dimensional models.
2Loss of time
If a two-dimensional CAD system is used for designing structures, then design can be completed with a shorter period of time and by operators with lower skill, but design errors easily occur because grasping of the shapes of members is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension of information display by automatically generating three-dimensional coordinate data and spatial relationship information, even when the user interface remains two-dimensional. The simplified system for unskilled users inputs basic parameters and automatically generates complete structure data including three-dimensional coordinates, member shapes, and spatial relationships, thereby ensuring design accuracy without requiring users to manually grasp three-dimensional shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating and generating complete structure data, including three-dimensional coordinates and member specifications, based on simple input parameters from unskilled users. The system compensates for the user's lack of spatial visualization ability by automatically performing the complex calculations and data generation that would otherwise require skilled operators, thereby maintaining design accuracy while reducing design time.
3Reliability
If design is performed by a three-dimensional CAD system, then the operator must design while checking whether the structure can be assembled in actuality, but the operator is required to have experience and engineering knowledge regarding assembly sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating structure data that inherently contains assembly information. The simplified design system automatically calculates member coordinates, lengths, and connection points based on input parameters, thereby ensuring the structure is assemblable without requiring the user to have engineering knowledge about assembly sequences. The system checks and validates assemblability automatically during the data generation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated calculation process that mediates between the user's simple input parameters and the complex requirements for assemblability. This intermediary system automatically performs the engineering calculations and validations that would otherwise require skilled operators with assembly experience, translating simple user inputs into complete, assemblable structure data without requiring users to understand assembly sequences.
4Productivity
If a simplified design system for unskilled users is implemented, then design time is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the system must automatically generate accurate structure data without user expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically performing all complex calculations and data generation tasks that would otherwise require skilled operators. The simplified system automatically calculates three-dimensional coordinates, member lengths, connection points, and spatial relationships based on basic input parameters, thereby generating accurate structure data without requiring user expertise. This automated self-service approach maintains manufacturing precision while dramatically improving design efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual calculation and verification performed by skilled operators with an automated computational system. The simplified design system uses computer algorithms to automatically perform complex geometric calculations, validate structure data, and generate complete assembly information, thereby substituting human expertise with automated processing that maintains accuracy while improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer acquires maximum lengths of a structure as measured along X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and acquires numbers of divisions of line segments which extend along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, respectively, and have the maximum lengths, respectively. The computer then calculates a basic shape, which is the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped divided into a three-dimensional grid, on the basis of the maximum lengths and the numbers of divisions. The computer creates a basic frame of the structure from the basic shape by deleting a selected line, and adding a line between two selected grid points. The computer calculates structure data, which are three-dimensional data representing the structure, by arranging frame members, which are represented by three-dimensional frame member data, along lines between the grid points of the basic frame. The computer then outputs a drawing of the structure from the structure data.