Virtual Datum Planes for Multi-Thickness 3D CAD Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD tools lack the capability to design multi-thickness objects in a three-dimensional form due to a stationary global datum plane, which complicates the design of features not in the same plane and affects downstream features when modifications are made.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate a three-dimensional model of a multi-thickness object by using virtual datum planes aligned with the global datum plane, allowing for dynamic offset calculations based on feature thickness values, enabling the creation of features in different zones with varying thicknesses and maintaining zone definitions in both three-dimensional and flattened states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stationary global datum plane is used in CAD tools, then the design of two-dimensional flattened state objects is enabled, but the design of three-dimensional multi-thickness objects with features in different planes becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single global datum plane into multiple zone-specific virtual datum planes. Each zone in the multi-thickness object can have its own virtual datum plane, allowing independent positioning and thickness management for different features. This segmentation enables 3D multi-thickness object design by eliminating the constraint of a single stationary global datum plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual datum planes as intermediary elements between the global datum plane and the features within each zone. These virtual datum planes act as mediators that facilitate the positioning and offset calculation of features in 3D space, enabling accurate representation of multi-thickness objects without directly complicating the global coordinate system.
2Ease of operation
If modifications are made to features in one zone of a multi-thickness object, then the design flexibility is improved, but downstream features in other zones are affected which violates user requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feature model into zone-independent units by assigning each zone its own virtual datum plane. This segmentation ensures that modifications to features in one zone do not propagate to downstream features in other zones, as each zone's feature positioning is calculated independently relative to its own virtual datum plane, thereby maintaining design flexibility without affecting other zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the datum plane system adaptive to local zone characteristics. Each virtual datum plane is specifically tailored to its zone's thickness and positioning requirements, allowing independent modification of features within each zone without impacting the local quality and stability of features in other zones.
3Measurement precision
If virtual datum planes are created for each zone with dynamic offset calculations, then accurate 3D positioning of features with varying thicknesses is achieved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the offset values for each virtual datum plane relative to the global datum plane during the model creation phase. This preliminary calculation of offsets enables accurate 3D positioning of features with varying thicknesses without requiring complex real-time computations during design modifications, thus achieving measurement precision while managing computational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for generating a three-dimensional model of a multi-thickness object in a formed state in a computer-aided design (CAD) environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request to generate a feature of a three-dimensional model. The method includes creating a virtual datum plane, and dynamically computing an offset value for the feature with reference to the virtual datum plane based on a thickness value. The offset value determines an offset between the virtual datum plane and one of the surfaces of the feature. The method includes generating the feature of the three-dimensional model in the formed state with reference to the virtual datum plane based on the thickness value, a location of the feature and the offset value. Moreover, the method includes outputting the three-dimensional model of the multi-thickness object having the generated feature in the formed state.