Virtual Components for CAD Bill of Materials Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD software lacks efficient methods to include and manage non-modeled components, such as wiring, inserts, and lubricants, in 3D models and bill of materials (BOMs, leading to incomplete or erroneous BOMs and complex file management.
Innovation Solution
The integration of virtual components in CAD drawings allows for the inclusion of non-modeled elements, which are not displayed in 3D models but are accounted for in BOMs, using associative virtual components that are automatically updated when associated modeled elements are modified.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard parts (wiring, inserts, fasteners, paint, lubricants) are excluded from the 3D model to simplify modeling, then the modeling process becomes faster and simpler, but the BOM becomes incomplete or erroneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments components into two categories: modeled components (visualized in 3D) and virtual components (non-modeled but tracked in BOM). This segmentation allows standard parts like fasteners and lubricants to be excluded from 3D modeling while still being captured in the BOM through virtual component references, resolving the contradiction between modeling speed and BOM completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual components as an intermediary mechanism between the 3D model and BOM. Virtual components serve as placeholders that reference external part data, allowing the system to maintain BOM accuracy without requiring these parts to be physically modeled in the 3D environment.
2Reliability
If non-modeled parts are manually added to the BOM after model creation, then the BOM can include these parts, but parts are frequently overlooked and BOMs become incomplete or erroneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically capturing virtual component information during the modeling phase itself, rather than requiring post-modeling manual entry. The system proactively identifies and records non-modeled parts as virtual components with their associated properties, ensuring BOM completeness is achieved contemporaneously with model creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where the system continuously monitors the 3D model for references to virtual components and automatically updates the BOM accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that any changes to virtual component associations are reflected in real-time in the BOM, eliminating the need for manual verification.
3Reliability
If separate files are created for non-modeled parts and merged with the 3D model files, then the BOM can be complete, but the file system becomes complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the virtual component management system into the native CAD environment, consolidating what would otherwise require separate external files into a unified system. Virtual components are stored and managed within the CAD software's native data structures, eliminating the need for complex external file management while maintaining BOM completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal virtual component system that can handle multiple types of non-modeled parts (fasteners, lubricants, paint, etc.) through a single integrated mechanism. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate file systems for different part types, simplifying overall system management while maintaining comprehensive BOM coverage.
4Ease of operation
If virtual components are added to simplify the modeling process, then the 3D model appearance is simplified, but ensuring accurate BOM generation requires additional system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling virtual components to automatically associate themselves with relevant 3D model elements through defined relationships. The system autonomously manages the connections between virtual components and modeled elements, generating accurate BOMs without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention, thus masking system complexity while maintaining modeling simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention is a method for composing a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing that includes modeled components and non-modeled components. The method includes receiving a selection of properties for a non-modeled component to include in the CAD drawing, where the non-modeled component defines an element of an object modeled in the CAD drawing that is not included in a display representation of the object including an instance of the non-modeled component in the CAD drawing. Although not shown in display representations, the non-modeled elements may be displayed in a browse view showing the elements included in a CAD drawing, and in a bill of materials generated from the CAD drawing.