Parametric CAD Model State Transformation via Reference Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Maintaining two independent CAD models for different engineering states of an object increases design time, costs, and the risk of synchronization errors, as manufacturers need to manage complex three-dimensional manufacturing processes while designers work with inefficient two-dimensional models.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method generates a parametric CAD model that can represent multiple engineering states by using a first reference geometry for one state and regenerating it with a second reference geometry for another state, allowing a single CAD model to support and rapidly switch between these states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two independent CAD models are maintained for different engineering states, then each state can be represented accurately, but design time and costs increase and synchronization errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel synchronizationVSAvoiddesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple engineering state representations into a single parametric CAD model by integrating reference geometries as adjustable components within one model structure, eliminating the need for separate independent models while maintaining accurate representation of different states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single CAD model is designed with universal parametric capabilities that allow it to represent multiple engineering states through configurable reference geometries and parameters, enabling one model to serve multiple functions that previously required separate specialized models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two independent CAD models are maintained for different engineering states, then each state can be represented accurately, but costs increase due to maintaining multiple models

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple state-specific models into one unified parametric model structure, reducing the overall complexity and resource requirements for model management while preserving the accuracy needed for manufacturing different states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single CAD model supports multiple engineering states, then costs and errors are reduced, but the model complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-state model into distinct reference geometry components and parameter groups, allowing each engineering state to be represented as a separate configurable module within the unified model, making the complexity manageable and organized

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If rapid switching between engineering states is enabled, then productivity increases, but the model management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate switching speedVSAvoidmodel management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic parameter control mechanisms that allow rapid switching between engineering states by adjusting configurable parameters and reference geometry associations, enabling fast state transitions while maintaining an organized model structure through systematic parameter management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8983801B2Method and system for transforming a CAD model of an object between engineering states
Publication Date: 2015.03.17 TRIUMPH AEROSTRUCTURES LLC
  • US8983801B2 patent drawing
  • US8983801B2 patent drawing
  • US8983801B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for transforming a CAD model of an object between engineering states includes generating a first reference geometry to represent a first engineering state. A parametric CAD model of the object may be generated to represent the object in the first engineering state by constructing the parametric CAD model as having dependence on the first reference geometry. A second reference geometry may be generated to represent a second engineering state. The parametric CAD model may be regenerated to represent the object in the second engineering state by replacing the first reference geometry with the second reference geometry.