scholarly journals Feature-based translation of CAD models with macro-parametric approach: issues of feature mapping, persistent naming, and constraint translation

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 603-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mutahar Safdar ◽  
Tahir Abbas Jauhar ◽  
Youngki Kim ◽  
Hanra Lee ◽  
Chiho Noh ◽  
...  

Abstract Feature-based translation of computer-aided design (CAD) models allows designers to preserve the modeling history as a series of modeling operations. Modeling operations or features contain information that is required to modify CAD models to create different variants. Conventional formats, including the standard for the exchange of product model data or the initial graphics exchange specification, cannot preserve design intent and only geometric models can be exchanged. As a result, it is not possible to modify these models after their exchange. Macro-parametric approach (MPA) is a method for exchanging feature-based CAD models among heterogeneous CAD systems. TransCAD, a CAD system for inter-CAD translation, is based on this approach. Translators based on MPA were implemented and tested for exchange between two commercial CAD systems. The issues found during the test rallies are reported and analyzed in this work. MPA can be further extended to remaining features and constraints for exchange between commercial CAD systems.

Author(s):  
Weihang Zhu

This paper presents an infrastructure that integrates a haptic interface into a mainstream computer-aided design (CAD) system. A haptic interface, by providing force feedback in human-computer interaction, can improve the working efficiency of CAD/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems in a unique way. The full potential of the haptic technology is best realized when it is integrated effectively into the product development environment and process. For large manufacturing companies this means integration into a commercial CAD system (Stewart, et al., 1997, “Direct Integration of Haptic User Interface in CAD Systems,” ASME Dyn. Syst. Control Div., 61, pp. 93–99). Mainstream CAD systems typically use constructive solid geometry (CSG) and boundary representation (B-Rep) format as their native format, while internally they automatically maintain triangulated meshes for graphics display and for numerical evaluation tasks such as surface-surface intersection. In this paper, we propose to render a point-based haptic force feedback by leveraging built-in functions of the CAD systems. The burden of collision detection and haptic rendering computation is alleviated by using bounding spheres and an OpenGL feedback buffer. The major contribution of this paper is that we developed a sound structure and methodology for haptic interaction with native CAD models inside mainstream CAD systems. We did so by analyzing CAD application models and by examining haptic rendering algorithms. The technique enables the user to directly touch and manipulate native 3D CAD models in mainstream CAD systems with force/touch feedback. It lays the foundation for future tasks such as direct CAD model modification, dynamic simulation, and virtual assembly with the aid of a haptic interface. Hence, by integrating a haptic interface directly with mainstream CAD systems, the powerful built-in functions of CAD systems can be leveraged and enhanced to realize more agile 3D CAD design and evaluation.


Author(s):  
Weihang Zhu

This paper presents our exploration in Haptic-guided Dynamics Simulation in a mainstream Computer-aided Design (CAD) System. Haptic interface, by providing force feedback in human-computer interaction, can improve the working efficiency of CAD/CAM (Computer-aided Design and Manufacturing) systems in a unique way. The full potential of the haptic technology is best realized when it is integrated effectively into the product development environment and process. For large manufacturing companies this means integration into a commercial CAD system [Stewart 1997]. Built on our past foundation work on an infrastructure of haptically enhanced CAD system [Zhu 2006], this research continues to explore the algorithms for dynamics simulation guided with haptic interface. This is fundamental to other tasks such as Virtual Assembly and Digital Mock-up. The research follows a modular haptic rendering algorithm for stable and transparent 6-DOF manipulation as presented in [Otaduy 2006], with improvements by leveraging the built-in CAD system functions and third party Dynamics Engines. The native CAD models are converted to triangulated meshes which are used in object-object collision detection and dynamics response computation. The major contribution of this paper is that we have developed a feasible methodology for haptic-guided dynamic interactions among CAD models inside mainstream CAD systems. It lays the foundation for future tasks such as direct CAD model modification and virtual assembly with the aid of haptic interface.


Author(s):  
S. N. Trika ◽  
P. Banerjee ◽  
R. L. Kashyap

Abstract A virtual reality (VR) interface to a feature-based computer-aided design (CAD) system promises to provide a simple interface to a designer of mechanical parts, because it allows intuitive specification of design features such as holes, slots, and protrusions in three-dimensions. Given the current state of a part design, the designer is free to navigate around the part and in part cavities to specify the next feature. This method of feature specification also provides directives to the process-planner regarding the order in which the features may be manufactured. In iterative feature-based design, the existing part cavities represent constraints as to where the designer is allowed to navigate and place the new feature. The CAD system must be able to recognize the part cavities and enforce these constraints. Furthermore, the CAD system must be able to update its knowledge of part cavities when the new feature is added. In this paper, (i) we show how the CAD system can enforce the aforementioned constraints by exploiting the knowledge of part cavities and their adjacencies, and (ii) present efficient methods for updates of the set of part cavities when the designer adds a new feature.


Author(s):  
Xun Xu

One of the key activities in any product design process is to develop a geometric model of the product from the conceptual ideas, which can then be augmented with further engineering information pertaining to the application area. For example, the geometric model of a design may be developed to include material and manufacturing information that can later be used in computer-aided process planning and manufacturing (CAPP/CAM) activities. A geometric model is also a must for any engineering analysis, such as finite elopement analysis (FEA). In mathematic terms, geometric modelling is concerned with defining geometric objects using computational geometry, which is often, represented through computer software or rather a geometric modelling kernel. Geometry may be defined with the help of a wire-frame model, surface model, or solid model. Geometric modelling has now become an integral part of any computer-aided design (CAD) system. In this chapter, various geometric modelling approaches, such as wire-frame, surface, and solid modelling will be discussed. Basic computational geometric methods for defining simple entities such as curves, surfaces, and solids are given. Concepts of parametric, variational, history-based, and history-free CAD systems are explained. These topics are discussed in this opening chapter because (a) CAD was the very first computer-aided technologies developed and (b) its related techniques and methods have been pervasive in the other related subjects like computer-aided manufacturing. This chapter only discusses CAD systems from the application point of view; CAD data formats and data exchange issues are covered in the second chapter.


2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Li ◽  
Y. F. Zhang ◽  
J. Y. H. Fuh ◽  
Z. M. Qiu

In product design, a large proportion of three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) models can be reused to facilitate future product development due to their similarities in function and shape. This paper presents a novel method that incorporates modeling knowledge into CAD model similarity assessment to improve the effectiveness of reuse-oriented retrieval. First, knowledge extraction is performed on archived feature-based CAD models to construct feature dependency directed acyclic graph (FDAG). Second, based on the FDAG subgraph decomposition, two useful component partitioning approaches are developed to extract simplified essential shapes and meaningful subparts from CAD models. Third, the extracted shapes and their FDAG subgraphs are indexed. Finally, the indexed shapes that are similar to user-sketched queries are retrieved to reuse, and FDAG information of the retrieved shapes is provided as redesign suggestions. Experimental results suggest that the incorporation of modeling knowledge greatly facilitates CAD model retrieval and reuse. Algorithm evaluations also show the presented method outperforms other 3D retrieval methods.


Author(s):  
Yogesh H. Kulkarni ◽  
Anil Sahasrabudhe ◽  
Mukund Kale

Computer-aided design (CAD) models of thin-walled solids such as sheet metal or plastic parts are often reduced dimensionally to their corresponding midsurfaces for quicker and fairly accurate results of computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis. Computation of the midsurface is still a time-consuming and mostly, a manual task due to lack of robust and automated techniques. Most of the existing techniques work on the final shape (typically in the form of boundary representation, B-rep). Complex B-reps make it hard to detect subshapes for which the midsurface patches are computed and joined, forcing usage of hard-coded heuristic rules, developed on a case-by-case basis. Midsurface failures manifest in the form of gaps, overlaps, nonmimicking input model, etc., which can take hours or even days to correct. The research presented here proposes to address these problems by leveraging feature-information available in the modern CAD models, and by effectively using techniques like simplification, abstraction, and decomposition. In the proposed approach, first, the irrelevant features are identified and removed from the input FbCAD model to compute its simplified gross shape. Remaining features then undergo abstraction to transform into their corresponding generic Loft-equivalents, each having a profile and a guide curve. The model is then decomposed into cellular bodies and a graph is populated, with cellular bodies at the nodes and fully overlapping-surface-interfaces at the edges. The nodes are classified into midsurface-patch generating nodes (called “solid cells” or sCells) and interaction-resolving nodes (“interface cells” or iCells). In a sCell, a midsurface patch is generated either by offset or by sweeping the midcurve of the owner-Loft-feature's profile along with its guide curve. Midsurface patches are then connected in the iCells in a generic manner, thus resulting in a well-connected midsurface with minimum failures. Output midsurface is then validated topologically for correctness. At the end of this paper, real-life parts are used to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.


Author(s):  
H Meerkamm

The Design System mfk will support the designer by an object-orientated synthesis of parts and an integrated knowledge-based analysis. An own-product model which is completely independent from the data structure of the used computer aided design (CAD) system contains all necessary information on geometry, technology, function and organization. It allows different types of analysis: design for production, tolerance analysis, cost and stress calculation, repeated component search, etc. Usable for products of higher complexity the Design System can be seen as an approach to an engineering workbench.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ελευθέριος Δερμιτζάκης

Η διαδικασία σχεδίασης και ανάπτυξης ενός προϊόντος απαιτεί τη συνεργασία πολλών οργανωτικών μονάδων στις διάφορες δραστηριότητες που απαιτούνται ώστε το τελικό προϊόν να εισαχθεί στην αγορά. Στη διαδικασία σχεδίασης και ανάπτυξης προϊόντων με χρήση υπολογιστή, υπάρχουν πολλοί διαφορετικοί τύποι και εκδόσεις λογισμικών που χρησιμοποιούνται για την υποστήριξη των δραστηριοτήτων και την εκτέλεση των διαδικασιών σχεδιασμού και παραγωγής. Διαφορετικά συστήματα συνήθως χρησιμοποιούν διαφορετικά σχήματα αναπαράστασης πληροφοριών. Αυτό δυσκολεύει την ολοκλήρωση και το καταμερισμό των πληροφοριών στην ομάδα ανάπτυξης ακόμη και μέσα σε μια ενιαία επιχείρηση. Η τεχνολογία μοντελοποίησης σε διαδικασίες σχεδιασμού προϊόντων διαδραμάτισε έναν θεμελιώδη ρόλο στην υποστήριξη της αποτελεσματικής διανομής πληροφοριών και γνώσης.Στην προτεινόμενη έρευνα θα ενοποιηθούν δύο είδη μοντέλων, τα μοντέλα του προϊόντος με τα μοντέλα ροής των εργασιών, ώστε να γίνει μια ολοκλήρωση των πρώτων πέραν των ορίων της παραγωγής και για τα δεύτερα να ανταπεξέλθουν στα προβλήματα που έχουν με την εγκυρότητα δεδομένων.Η εργασία βασίζεται στο μοντέλο CPM-Core Product Model και επικεντρώθηκε στην επέκταση του αρχικού εννοιολογικού μοντέλου του Μοντέλου Ανοικτής Συναρμολόγησης (OAM - Open Assembly Model). Πρώτα υλοποιήθηκε το Ενδιάμεσο Μοντέλο παρέχοντας τις δομές δεδομένων που χρειάζονται για την αποθήκευση των αντικειμένων και στη συνέχεια προχωρά στην υλοποίηση μιας αντικειμενοστραφούς πλατφόρμας ολοκληρώνοντάς το σε Μοντέλο Υλοποίησης.Για την ενοποίηση του μοντέλου ΠΔΣ-Πίνακα Δομής Σχεδίασης (Design structure Model - DSM) και του Μοντέλου Ανοικτής Συναρμολόγησης (Open Assembly Model - OAM/NIST) χρησιμοποιήθηκε ο Πίνακας Δομής Σχεδίασης Συστατικών ο οποίος με τη βοήθεια αλγορίθμων ομαδοποίησης εστιάζει στην εύρεση υποσυνόλων στοιχείων μιας συναρμολόγησης, ελαχιστοποιώντας προβλήματα στην αρχική σχεδίαση (επαναλήψεις και αναδράσεις).Η ενοποίηση των δύο μοντέλων επιτυγχάνεται κάνοντας χρήση της τεχνολογίας αγωγών (pipeline) που χρησιμοποιείται ευρέως στην τεχνολογία λογισμικού. Συγκεκριμένα, η πληροφορία ρέει από το μοντέλο ΟΑΜ στο μοντέλο DSM δημιουργώντας έτσι εικονικούς αγωγούς ροής πληροφορίας από τα στάδια της αρχικής σχεδίασης μέχρι τη συναρμολόγηση του προϊόντος. Η τροφοδότηση πληροφορίας από το ένα μοντέλο στο άλλο απαιτεί βέβαια μετασχηματισμούς δεδομένων που πρέπει να παρέχουν και εννοιολογική και σημασιολογική αναπαράσταση. Το μοντέλο ενοποίησης που προκύπτει (Open Αssembly Model to Design Structure Matrix - OAM2DSM) συνδέει τις δύο αυτές μεθόδους χρησιμοποιώντας το ΟΑΜ/NIST ως μοντέλο διεπαφής μεταξύ των λογισμικών σχεδίασης (Computer Aided Design systems - CAD systems) και του μοντέλου DSM. Η ενοποίηση αυτή:•Υποστηρίζει τη διαδικασία σχεδίασης από τα πρώιμα στάδια της και καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια του κύκλου ζωής ενός προϊόντος.•Ισχυροποιεί την ενοποίηση συστημάτων σχεδίασης CAD με συστήματα ανάλυσης.•Δίνει μια δυνατότητα πρόβλεψης στη σχεδίαση, συμβάλλοντας έτσι στη μείωση του χρόνου σχεδίασης μιας και εντοπίζονται γρηγορότερα σχεδιαστικές αστοχίες ή λάθη. •Παρέχει ένα ισχυρό πληροφοριακό μοντέλο, ικανό να αποτυπώσει την εξέλιξη της σχεδίασης και τη ροή της πληροφορίας σε όλα της τα στάδια.•Είναι ανεξάρτητη πλατφόρμας σχεδίασης (Απαραίτητη προϋπόθεση είναι το λογισμικό σχεδίασης να υποστηρίζει το πρότυπο ISO10303 STEP).•Προσθέτει στο ΟΑΜ ένα επιπλέον χαρακτηριστικό, αυτό της τμηματικής σχεδίασης μιας και η ομαδοποίηση που προτείνεται στον ΠΔΣ αρχιτεκτονικής (συστατικών) δίνει ομάδες συναρμολογήσεων με ισχυρή αλληλεπίδραση και εξάρτηση. Αυτή η δυνατότητα ισχυροποιεί τη συνεργατική σχεδίαση).


1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (09) ◽  
pp. 70-72
Author(s):  
Michael Henry

Walter Lorenz Surgical Inc., Jacksonville, FL, specializes in the medical devices known as rigid fixation implants. Lorenz Surgical was purchased by Biomet Inc. of Warsaw, Indiana in the year 1992, which resulted in Lorenzo owning two computer-aided design (CAD) systems. In 1996, with the completion of Lorenz Surgical's new manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, all Lorenz operations were transferred back to Florida, including all the manufacturing equipment and its three seats of Unigraphics, which by then were running on Windows NT workstations. The company's management feels it could have stayed with Unigraphics and accomplished its goals, but that adding Solid Edge was a good move. It gave Lorenz flexibility in hiring, allowed it to buy more CAD seats than it could have if it had stayed with Unigraphics alone, and provided a very productive tool. Lorenz's surgical instruments are currently designed exclusively in Solid Edge. Instruments can be modeled in either CAD system, but the job goes faster in Solid Edge. The creators of Solid Edge put a lot of effort into usability, and this shows in how few mouse clicks are needed for common operations. Products that have many standard features, such as a screwdriver consisting of m any cylinders, are very quickly modeled in Solid Edge.


Author(s):  
Joshua D. Summers

The design exemplar has been proposed as an approach to developing a CAD query language based upon an analysis of the design exemplar components, vocabulary, and extensions to support logical connectives. Design engineers create models of design artifacts with commercial Computer Aided Design (CAD) solid modeling systems. These systems stop short of providing support for querying and retrieving data from within the CAD data files. The design exemplar data structure and algorithm are offered in this paper as a new tool for interrogation of CAD models. The querying capabilities of a comprehensive commercial CAD system is compared with the querying capabilities of the design exemplar based upon user interaction cues. The results of this comparison indicate that for batch processing of CAD model interrogation, the design exemplar provides, based upon user interaction, a superior and more efficient approach.


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