3D Ribbon Cable Modeling in CAD via Templates and Dynamic Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD applications require users to manually create and modify paths for 3D ribbon cable models, making it time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when modeling folds, bends, and twists, and do not provide accurate representations for realistic visualizations and manufacturing purposes.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating 3D ribbon cable objects in CAD models by selecting a template and connectors, determining a path, and allowing users to interactively add folds and twists, with the option to preview and modify the path, and generate a 2D representation for accurate dimensioning and manufacturing information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually create paths for 3D ribbon cable models using sweeping or extrusion techniques, then the ribbon cable can be represented in the CAD drawing, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides pre-defined ribbon cable path templates that users can select instead of manually creating paths from scratch. These templates represent common ribbon cable configurations and serve as starting points that can be quickly adjusted, eliminating the need to draw each segment individually and significantly reducing modeling time
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies existing ribbon cable path geometries into templates that can be reused. When a user selects a template, the system retrieves and applies the pre-computed path geometry, allowing rapid reproduction of common ribbon cable configurations without manual redrawing or recalculation
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually modify the path of ribbon cable when hardware placement changes, then the ribbon cable can adapt to new configurations, but the modification process becomes tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes dynamic associations between ribbon cable paths and hardware elements. When hardware placement changes, the system can automatically update the ribbon cable path by maintaining parametric relationships, eliminating the need for manual path editing and reducing modification time while ensuring accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback when hardware elements are modified. When a user changes the position or configuration of hardware, the system detects this change and automatically updates the associated ribbon cable path, ensuring the cable configuration always reflects the current hardware arrangement without requiring manual intervention
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional sweeping or extrusion techniques are used to model ribbon cable, then the ribbon cable can be represented in 3D, but the technique provides no way to accurately model folds, bends, or twists
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ribbon cable into segments that can independently represent different geometric features such as folds, bends, and twists. Each segment can be modeled with appropriate complexity while simpler segments represent straight portions, allowing accurate representation of complex 3D geometries without uniformly increasing overall model complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds dimensional information to represent the 3D nature of ribbon cable folds and bends. By incorporating spatial orientation and positional data beyond simple linear paths, the system accurately models the complex geometry of folded and bent ribbon cables while maintaining manageable complexity through structured data organization
4Manufacturing precision
If users manually compose each element of the desired 3D ribbon cable, then the ribbon cable can be accurately represented, but the process becomes tedious and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computation of ribbon cable paths and geometries that are stored as templates. When a user needs to create a ribbon cable, the system retrieves the pre-computed geometry from the template, providing accurate representation without requiring the user to manually compose each element, thus maintaining both accuracy and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating a three-dimensional representation of a ribbon cable in a computer-aided design drawing is disclosed. In one embodiment, a user may create a three-dimensional ribbon cable object with an arbitrary shape and an arbitrary number of fold or twists. A user creates or specifies a ribbon cable template incorporating several attributes and a computer aided design application may be configured to generate a three-dimensional ribbon cable object from the template and displays the representation of the three-dimensional ribbon cable object in the computer-aided design drawing. Further, once generated, the ribbon cable object may be flattened to a two-dimensional surface, identifying the overall length of the ribbon cable and the location of any folds.