Spatial Modificators for Reversible CAD Model Modifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer-aided modeling techniques lack the ability to perform local modifications of object instances without altering the original model definitions, leading to errors and the need for tracking changes, which complicates reversibility and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of spatial modificators (SMs) that allow for local modifications of object instances by overriding or changing their definitions without altering the original model, enabling reversible changes and storing modifications separately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If local modifications are performed by altering original model definitions, then modification flexibility is improved, but model accuracy and reversibility deteriorate due to loss of original information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the modification process into two independent components: the original model definition and the spatial modificator. The spatial modificator is a separate data structure that stores modification information (such as geometry changes, material changes, or parameter changes) without altering the original model definition. This segmentation allows modifications to be applied flexibly while preserving the original model intact, thereby resolving the contradiction between modification flexibility and modeling accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial modificator acts as an intermediary between the original model definition and the modified model instance. Instead of directly modifying the original model definition, the spatial modificator intermediates by storing modification instructions that are applied to create the modified instance. This intermediary approach enables reversible modifications while maintaining the accuracy of the original model definition.
2Ease of manufacture
If original model definitions are altered for modifications, then ease of modification is improved, but tracking changes and ensuring reversibility becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the modification information into a separate spatial modificator structure, the patent simplifies change tracking. The spatial modificator explicitly stores what changes were made, where they were made, and how they were made, without requiring complex version control or history tracking of the original model definition. This segmentation makes modifications easier to manage and track while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial modificator creates a copy of the modification information rather than directly altering the original model definition. This copying approach allows the original model to remain unchanged and simple, while the copy (spatial modificator) contains all the modification details needed for tracking and reversibility. The original model definition remains intact and easy to understand, while modifications are applied through the copied modificator data.
3Device complexity
If modifications are stored integrated with original definitions, then data structure simplicity is improved, but separation of original and modified information reduces clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data structure into two clear parts: the original model definition and the spatial modificator. The spatial modificator is a distinct data structure that contains only modification information, with clear fields indicating what was modified, where, and how. This segmentation improves information clarity by explicitly separating original from modified information, making it easy to understand what changes were made without losing or confusing original model information.
Data Source
AI summary
A modeling application is provided with at least one spatial modificator for modifying simultaneously one or more object instances. The at least one spatial modificator may include definitions that define modifications to a model, and an action definition may define a predetermined degree of change by the modifications to a parameter of the object instances. Intersections between object instances and influence areas of spatial modificators are identified. Object instances that intersect with the influence areas may be changed according to the spatial modificator and in accordance with the predetermined degree of change.