Some (Team) Assembly Required: An Analysis of Collaborative Computer-Aided Design Assembly

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy Cheng ◽  
Alison Olechowski
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Parallel Execution ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Design Teams ◽  
Calendar Time ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Cad Models ◽  
Single User ◽  
Aided Design

Abstract Previous efforts in the area of collaborative computer-aided design (CAD) suggest that a team of designers working synchronously in a multi-user CAD (MUCAD) environment can produce CAD models faster than a single user. Our research is the among the first to investigate assemblies in MUCAD. Due to the lack of hierarchical feature dependency in assemblies, we propose that CAD teams can optimize assembly through modularization and parallel execution. In our study, 20 participants were tasked with assembling pre-modelled CAD parts of varying complexity in teams of one, two, three or four. We analyze audio recordings, team activity, and survey responses to compare the performance of individuals and virtual collaborative teams during assembly, while working with the same MUCAD platform. This paper features a multimodal approach to analyze team trends in communication, workflow, task allocation and challenges to determine which factors are conducive to the success of a multi-user CAD team and which are detrimental. In our work, the success of a team is measured by its productivity score, which is the number of mates added by a team within a given time frame. We present evidence that teams can complete an assembly in less calendar time than a single user, but single users are more efficient based on person-hours, due to communications and coordination overheads. Surprisingly, paired contributors exhibit an assembly bonus effect. These findings represent a preliminary understanding of collaborative CAD assembly work. Our work supports the claim that collaborative assembly activities have the potential to improve the capabilities of modern product design teams, delivering products faster and at lower cost. We identify areas for future research, and highlight areas of improvement for collaborative CAD platforms and engineering design teams.

A Multi-User Computer-Aided Design Competition: Experimental Findings and Analysis of Team-Member Dynamics

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett Stone ◽  
John Salmon ◽  
Keenan Eves ◽  
Matthew Killian ◽  
Landon Wright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Calendar Time ◽  
Competition Analysis ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Design Competition ◽  
Purdue Spatial Visualization Test ◽  
Experimental Findings ◽  
Aided Design

A competition for teams of three students using a prototype multi-user computer-aided design (MUCAD) tool was held to investigate various hypotheses regarding the performance of teams in such a setting. By comparing models from the competition to the same model in a single-user CAD environment, it is seen that use of a MUCAD system can significantly increase the value-added per unit of calendar time for a modeling effort. An investigation was also made into the causes of the performance differences among the various MUCAD teams which participated in the competition. Analysis of the results shows that teams that encouraged effective forms of communication and teams whose members scored similarly on the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Visualization of Rotations (PSVT:R) performed better than other teams. Areas of future research in analyzing teams in MUCAD environments are suggested.

Paired Computer-Aided Design: The Effect of Collaboration Mode on Differences in Model Quality

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamza Arshad ◽  
Vrushank Phadnis ◽  
Alison Olechowski
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Shared Control ◽  
Control Mode ◽  
Pair Programming ◽  
Design Teams ◽  
Model Quality ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Parallel Cad ◽  
Cad Models ◽  
Aided Design

Abstract We present the results of an experiment investigating two different modes of collaboration on a series of computer-aided design (CAD) tasks. Inspired by the pair programming literature, we anticipate that partners working in a fully synchronous collaborative CAD environment will achieve different levels of quality in CAD models depending on their mode of collaboration — one in which the pair is free to work in parallel, and another where the pair must coordinate to share one control. We found that a shared CAD control led to significantly better overall CAD quality than parallel CAD control. In addition, the shared control mode led to more complete and consistent CAD models, as well as the tendency for participants to follow instructions to correctly replicate features for the design task. As is predicted in the literature, a trade-off relationship (albeit weak) between quality and speed via the parallel collaboration was found. In contrast, the shared control mode shows no clear relationship between speed and quality. Collaborative CAD is increasingly seen as an appealing tool for modern product design teams. This study suggests that the benefits of this tool are not solely the effect of the tool itself, but result from the collaboration style of the designers using the tool.

scholarly journals Automatized Evaluation of Students’ CAD Models

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Nenad Bojcetic ◽  
Filip Valjak ◽  
Dragan Zezelj ◽  
Tomislav Martinec
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Computer Application ◽  
Test Cases ◽  
Cad Model ◽  
Computer Solution ◽  
3D Cad ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Cad Models ◽  
Aided Design

The article describes an attempt to address the automatized evaluation of student three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) models. The driving idea was conceptualized under the restraints of the COVID pandemic, driven by the problem of evaluating a large number of student 3D CAD models. The described computer solution can be implemented using any CAD computer application that supports customization. Test cases showed that the proposed solution was valid and could be used to evaluate many students’ 3D CAD models. The computer solution can also be used to help students to better understand how to create a 3D CAD model, thereby complying with the requirements of particular teachers.

A New Family of Bricard-Derived Deployable Mechanisms

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hailin Huang ◽  
Bing Li ◽  
Jianyang Zhu ◽  
Xiaozhi Qi
Keyword(s):  
Large Volume ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Degree Of Freedom ◽  
Single Degree Of Freedom ◽  
Single Degree ◽  
New Family ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Cad Models ◽  
Aided Design

This paper proposes a new family of single degree of freedom (DOF) deployable mechanisms derived from the threefold-symmetric deployable Bricard mechanism. The mobility and geometry of original threefold-symmetric deployable Bricard mechanism is first described, from the mobility characterstic of this mechanism, we show that three alternate revolute joints can be replaced by a class of single DOF deployable mechanisms without changing the single mobility characteristic of the resultant mechanisms, therefore leading to a new family of Bricard-derived deployable mechanisms. The computer-aided design (CAD) models are used to demonstrate these derived novel mechanisms. All these mechanisms can be used as the basic modules for constructing large volume deployable mechanisms.

The CAD/CAM Interface: A 25-Year Retrospective

2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 188-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Corney ◽  
C. Hayes ◽  
V. Sundararajan ◽  
P. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Sheet Metal Parts ◽  
Multiaxis Machining ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Cad Cam ◽  
Feature Based ◽  
Manufacturing Applications ◽  
Aided Design

The vision of fully automated manufacturing processes was conceived when computers were first used to control industrial equipment. But realizing this goal has not been easy; the difficulties of generating manufacturing information directly from computer aided design (CAD) data continued to challenge researchers for over 25 years. Although the extraction of coordinate geometry has always been straightforward, identifying the semantic structures (i.e., features) needed for reasoning about a component’s function and manufacturability has proved much more difficult. Consequently the programming of computer controlled manufacturing processes such as milling, cutting, turning and even the various lamination systems (e.g., SLA, SLS) has remained largely computer aided rather than entirely automated. This paper summarizes generic difficulties inherent in the development of feature based CAD/CAM (computer aided manufacturing) interfaces and presents two alternative perspectives on developments in manufacturing integration research that have occurred over the last 25 years. The first perspective presents developments in terms of technology drivers including progress in computational algorithms, enhanced design environments and faster computers. The second perspective describes challenges that arise in specific manufacturing applications including multiaxis machining, laminates, and sheet metal parts. The paper concludes by identifying possible directions for future research in this area.

Introductory remarks

1971 ◽  
Vol 321 (1545) ◽  
pp. 145-146
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Design ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Design Work ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Hidden Line ◽  
Multi Access ◽  
Aided Design ◽  
Design And Manufacture

From time to time the Royal Society organizes meetings for the discussion of some new development in engineering and applied science. It seemed possible to the organizers of this meeting that it would be profitable to bring together workers in industry and in the universities to discuss some aspect of computer-aided design. As you will see we have chosen the application of computer aids to mechanical engineering design and manufacture. This restriction to mechanical engineering was deliberate, partly because the application of computer aids to mechanical engineering design is somewhat behind similar activities in electrical and civil engineering. Another reason is that the development of such applications has reached a particularly interesting stage, and it is now perhaps appropriate to review progress and to discuss the directions in which future research should proceed. Although some examples of computer-aided design in mechanical engineering can be found from the earliest days of computing, the development really started in the late fifties with early experiments in the use of graphic displays and with the introduction of multi-access computing. Some may date the beginning of the developments which we are going to discuss today, from the work at M. I. T. on automated programmed drawing started in 1958. This has led to a concentration of effort on graphics and computer-aided drafting. Much research has been done on the mathematical description of curves, surfaces and volumes in a form suitable for engineering design. Work has been done on the automatic dimensioning of drawings, hidden line removal, the prob­lems of lofting, etc.

Orthogonal Distance Fields Representation for Machine-Learning Based Manufacturability Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditya Balu ◽  
Sambit Ghadai ◽  
Soumik Sarkar ◽  
Adarsh Krishnamurthy
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Boundary Representation ◽  
Engineering Product ◽  
Distance Fields ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Cad Models ◽  
Product Design Process ◽  
3D Cnn ◽  
Aided Design

Abstract Computer-aided Design for Manufacturing (DFM) systems play an essential role in reducing the time taken for product development by providing manufacturability feedback to the designer before the manufacturing phase. Traditionally, DFM rules are hand-crafted and used to accelerate the engineering product design process by integrating manufacturability analysis during design. Recently, the feasibility of using a machine learning-based DFM tool in intelligently applying the DFM rules have been studied. These tools use a voxelized representation of the design and then use a 3D-Convolutional Neural Network (3D-CNN), to provide manufacturability feedback. Although these frameworks work effectively, there are some limitations to the voxelized representation of the design. In this paper, we introduce a new representation of the computer-aided design (CAD) model using orthogonal distance fields (ODF). We provide a GPU-accelerated algorithm to convert standard boundary representation (B-rep) CAD models into ODF representation. Using the ODF representation, we build a machine learning framework, similar to earlier approaches, to create a machine learning-based DFM system to provide manufacturability feedback. As proof of concept, we apply this framework to assess the manufacturability of drilled holes. The framework has an accuracy of more than 84% correctly classifying the manufacturable and non-manufacturable models using the new representation.

MCAD-ECAD Integration: Overview and Future Research Perspectives

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenway Chen ◽  
Dirk Schaefer
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Electrical Engineering ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Product Modeling ◽  
Directional Information ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Aided Design

The domain of Electrical Computer-Aided Design and Engineering (ECAD/ECAE) has been subject to major and rapid change over the past couple of years. Electrical Engineering Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools developed in the early to mid-1990s no longer meet future requirements. Consequently, a new generation of Electrical Engineering CAD systems has been under development for about a decade now. An overview of advances in this field is presented in the introductory part of this paper. This overview also sets the context and provides background information for the main topic, MCAD-ECAD-integration, to be addressed in the remainder of this paper. Many complex engineered systems encompass mechanical as well as electrical engineering components. Unfortunately, contemporary CAE environments do not provide a sufficient degree of integration in order to allow for multi-disciplinary product modeling and bi-directional information flow (i.e. automated design modifications on either side) between mechanical and electrical CAD domains. Overcoming this barrier of systems integration would release a tremendous efficiency potential with regard to the efficient development of multidisciplinary product platforms and configurations. An overview of the state-of-the-art in MCAD-ECAD integration is presented. In addition, associated research questions are postulated and potential future research perspectives discussed.

Computation of Midsurface by Feature-Based Simplification–Abstraction–Decomposition

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yogesh H. Kulkarni ◽  
Anil Sahasrabudhe ◽  
Mukund Kale
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Boundary Representation ◽  
Manual Task ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Cad Models ◽  
Feature Based ◽  
Feature Information ◽  
Plastic Parts ◽  
Aided Design

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.

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