Wiring Harness Flattened Layout Updates for 3D Route Splits and Merges
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design process for wiring harnesses is complex, cumbersome, inefficient, and prone to errors, particularly when changes such as splitting or merging route segments are made in a virtual three-dimensional modeling environment, as these changes are not effectively incorporated into the corresponding flattened two-dimensional representation without disrupting the visual layout.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based method and system that generates a flattened, two-dimensional visual representation of a three-dimensional wiring harness model, allowing for modifications like splitting or merging route segments while preserving the visual layout of the two-dimensional representation, ensuring consistency across iterations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the three-dimensional model is modified to include split or merge route segments, then the design accuracy and completeness are improved, but the visual layout of the flattened two-dimensional representation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting route segment modifications (splits or merges) in the 3D model before generating the flattened 2D representation. By identifying these changes upfront, the system can prepare appropriate update strategies that incorporate the modifications while preserving the existing visual layout structure, thus resolving the contradiction between design accuracy and layout consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing the modified 3D model with the existing flattened 2D representation, detecting discrepancies caused by route segment splits or merges. The system then uses this feedback information to selectively update only the affected portions of the 2D representation while maintaining the overall visual layout, thereby achieving both design accuracy and layout preservation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the flattened representation is regenerated after each modification, then the design consistency is improved, but the design efficiency and time consumption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates only the specific route segment modifications (splits or merges) from the overall 3D model. Instead of regenerating the entire flattened 2D representation, the system processes and updates only the affected segments, thereby maintaining design consistency while significantly improving design efficiency by avoiding redundant processing of unchanged portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the flattened representation update process into independent portions corresponding to modified route segments. By dividing the update task into discrete segments rather than processing the entire representation uniformly, the system achieves design consistency for modified areas while reducing overall processing time and improving design efficiency.
3Shape
If manual updates are performed on the flattened representation after 3D model modifications, then the visual layout can be preserved, but the complexity of the process and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting route segment modifications in the 3D model and autonomously updating the flattened 2D representation. The system identifies splits and merges, determines the appropriate updates needed, and executes the changes without requiring manual intervention. This automation preserves the visual layout while eliminating the complexity and error-proneness of manual update processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-based method includes generating, in a virtual two-dimensional viewing environment, a flattened, two-dimensional visual representation of an initial three-dimensional model of a wiring harness. The flattened representation has an initial visual layout in the virtual two-dimensional viewing environment. The method includes subsequently modifying the initial three-dimensional model in a virtual three-dimensional modeling environment to generate a modified three-dimensional model. The modifications include splitting a route segment or merging two route segments. The method includes generating, in the virtual two-dimensional viewing environment, a flattened, two-dimensional visual representation of the modified three-dimensional model, that visually represents either the split or the merge, and otherwise has the same visual layout as the flattened, two-dimensional representation of the initial three-dimensional model.