Geometrical Template Tolerancing via UUID Annotation Indexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional CAD systems require time-consuming manual entry of 3D annotations for geometrical features, reducing the efficiency gained from reusing geometrical templates in three-dimensional modeling.

Innovation Solution

A computer-aided design system that uses a universal unique identifier (UUID) to associate 3D annotations with sub-features of geometrical templates, allowing for the automatic application of tolerance scheme templates from a catalog, thereby eliminating the need for manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If geometrical templates are reused in CAD systems, then design efficiency is improved, but manual entry of 3D annotations is still required which reduces the efficiency gain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual annotation entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing geometrical templates to automatically carry their associated 3D annotations. When a template is instantiated, the annotations are automatically applied to the new geometrical features without requiring manual re-entry, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining 3D annotations as part of the geometrical template during template creation. This preliminary association of annotations with template features means that when the template is reused, the annotations are already prepared and automatically applied, eliminating the need for manual entry each time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a library of 3D annotations is created for reuse, then annotation consistency is improved, but manual connection of annotations to geometries is still time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveannotation consistencyVSAvoidtime for manual connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the geometrical template and its associated 3D annotations into a single integrated unit. Instead of maintaining separate libraries of geometries and annotations that require manual connection, the template inherently contains its annotation definitions, automatically linking them when instantiated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an intermediary mechanism where the geometrical template acts as a mediator between the design geometry and the 3D annotations. The template contains reference information that automatically connects annotations to the correct geometrical features, eliminating the need for manual connection while ensuring consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8847947B2Automatic tolerancing of geometrical templates

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 DASSAULT SYSTEMES SA

AI summary

A system for tolerancing geometrical templates upgrades the geometrical template to include a unique identifier and index corresponding to each sub-feature of the template. The upgraded template is associated to a set of 3D annotations and the association is stored in a catalog which uses the unique identifier as an index. Upon instantiation of the geometrical template, a list of corresponding tolerance templates are retrieved and displayed for selection, and a selected tolerance template is then instantiated onto the geometrical template.