Unified 3D CAD Environment for Logical-Geometric Assembly Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems struggle to effectively link and visualize three-dimensional geometrical and logical representations of products, making it difficult for designers to understand how mechanical parts interact with system components and exchange information, especially in complex designs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that displays logical components superimposed on corresponding three-dimensional geometrical elements in a single environment, allowing users to view and design systems with anchored logical representations that adjust with viewing angles, and featuring expandable, zoomable, and activatable components linked through ports or connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If separate two-dimensional environments are used for geometrical and logical representations, then each representation can be displayed with dedicated tools, but designers cannot easily understand how mechanical parts interact with system components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines geometrical and logical representations into a single three-dimensional display environment. Logical components are superimposed on corresponding geometrical elements, allowing designers to view both representations simultaneously in context. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separate two-dimensional environments while preserving the ability to understand interactions between mechanical parts and system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional separate displays to a unified three-dimensional display environment. By embedding logical representations within the three-dimensional geometrical context, the system adds spatial dimensionality to the display, enabling intuitive understanding of how logical components relate to physical parts in three-dimensional space.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate displays are used for geometrical and logical representations, then each can be optimized independently, but user efficiency decreases due to switching between environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges geometrical and logical representations into a single unified three-dimensional environment, eliminating the need for users to switch between separate two-dimensional displays. This integration allows designers to access both representations simultaneously in the same spatial context, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing time loss from environment switching.
3Loss of information
If logical components are displayed separately from geometrical elements, then each representation remains simple, but designers cannot comprehend system behavior in context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional space to superimpose logical representations on geometrical elements. This dimensional approach allows logical components to be displayed in the same spatial context as their corresponding physical parts, providing contextual understanding of system behavior without creating a complex two-dimensional interface. The third dimension enables intuitive spatial relationships to be preserved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies logical representations locally at specific positions within the three-dimensional geometrical model. Each logical component is superimposed on its corresponding geometrical element, providing contextual information exactly where needed in the three-dimensional space. This localized approach maintains simplicity while enhancing contextual understanding.
4Productivity
If traditional menu-based interfaces are used, then operations are organized systematically, but designers must move the mouse to distant menu locations reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic contextual menus that adapt to the user's current position in the three-dimensional model. Instead of fixed menus located at distant positions, the system provides context-sensitive operations nearby the selected geometrical element, with logical components displayed in situ. This dynamic approach reduces mouse travel distance and improves both productivity and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and apparatus of designing an assembly of objects in a system of computer-aided design. The method/apparatus provides a three-dimensional geometrical modeled object comprising at least one three-dimensional geometrical element; provides a logical modeled object comprising at least one logical component; and associates sets of at least one three-dimensional geometrical element with respective sets of at least one logical component. The method/apparatus display in a three-dimensional scene, a representation of a set of at least one logical component partially superimposed on the corresponding associated set of at least one three-dimensional geometrical element.