Variational Modeling of Slotdog Networks in CAD
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Solution Overview
Problem
In CAD systems, editing shapes with multiple tangent planes, cylinders, and cones often results in inconsistent behavior due to underdefined geometries connected through adjacent tangencies, leading to undesirable outcomes during variational editing.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically identifying and labeling networks of geometries as 'slotdogs' within CAD systems, which are defined by connected geometries through adjacent tangencies, and applying specific constraints to ensure intuitive and consistent behavior during editing, using a combination of traditional and 'if-possible' constraints to maintain tangency and other preferred properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If geometries are connected through adjacent tangencies in CAD systems, then the geometries can be flexibly arranged and modified, but the behavior becomes inconsistent and underdefined during variational editing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification and labeling of slotdog networks before editing operations occur. By pre-defining the network structure and relationships between geometries connected through adjacent tangencies, the system establishes predictable behavior rules in advance, preventing inconsistency during variational editing while maintaining the flexibility of tangent-based geometry arrangement
2Device complexity
If traditional constraints are used to define geometry relationships, then the system structure remains simple, but the editing behavior becomes unpredictable and undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary slotdog network structure that mediates between traditional simple constraints and the complex relationships of multiple tangent geometries. This intermediary layer captures the network topology and applies coordinated constraint management, making editing behavior predictable and intuitive while maintaining reasonable system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tangent planes, cylinders, and cones are used to create complex shapes, then the modeling capability is enhanced, but the geometry becomes underdefined and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex network of multiple tangent geometries into identifiable slotdog network units. By dividing the complex geometry into structured networks with defined relationships, the system makes the geometries more manageable and controllable while preserving the capability to model complex shapes through composition of these segmented units
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatically identifying a network of geometries is performed on a data processing system. The method includes receiving one or more geometries having all or part of a network of geometries; recognizing adjacent tangencies to automatically identify another geometry in the network, or to determine that each geometry is connected to its neighbor through adjacent tangencies; repeating the recognition step until all geometries forming the network of geometries have been determined; and labelling the identified network as a slotdog.