scholarly journals Analyzing and Implementing a Feature Mapping Approach to CAD System Interoperability

Author(s):  
John Altidor ◽  
Jack Wileden ◽  
Yiwen Wang ◽  
Leen Hanayneh ◽  
Yan Wang

Interoperable information exchange between computer-aided design (CAD) systems is one of the major problems to enable information integration in a collaborative engineering environment. Although a significant amount of work has been done on the extension and standardization of CAD data formats as well as the cooperation of CAD systems in both academy and industry, these approaches are generally low-level and narrowly targeted. Lack of fundamental study of interoperability and generic solution to this problem is the major issue. Our intention of this research is to design a solution of CAD feature interoperability as generic as possible based on a theoretical foundation of language types. In this paper, we present a fundamental model of semantic features and feature mapping process based on the type theory. We implement and demonstrate our approach for automated feature exchange between commercial CAD systems.

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):  
Leen Hanayneh ◽  
Yiwen Wang ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Jack C. Wileden ◽  
Khurshid A. Qureshi

Computer-aided design (CAD) data interoperability is one of the most important issues to enable information integration and sharing in a collaborative engineering environment. A significant amount of work has been done on the extension and standardization of neutral data formats in both academy and industry. In this paper, we present a feature mapping mechanism to allow for automatic feature information exchange. A hybrid semantic feature model is used to represent implicit and explicit features. A graph-based feature isomorphism algorithm is developed to support feature mapping between different CAD data formats.


Author(s):  
John Altidor ◽  
Jack Wileden ◽  
Jeffrey McPherson ◽  
Ian Grosse ◽  
Sundar Krishnamurty ◽  
...  

Data exchange between different computer-aided design (CAD) systems is a major problem inhibiting information integration in collaborative engineering environments. Existing CAD data format standards such as STEP and IGES enable geometric data exchange. However, they ignore construction history, features, constraints, and other parametric-based CAD data. As a result, they are inadequate for supporting modification, extension and other important higher-level functionality when accessing an imported CAD model from another CAD system. Achieving such higher-level functionality therefore often requires a time-consuming, error-prone, tedious process of manually recreating the model in the target CAD system. Based on techniques adapted from programming language research, this paper presents an approach to exchanging parametric data between CAD systems using formally-defined conversion semantics. We have demonstrated the utility of our approach by developing a prototype implementation that automates the conversion of 2D sketches between two popular CAD systems: Pro/ENGINEER and SolidWorks. We present examples showing that our approach is able to accurately convert parametric CAD data even in cases where models were constructed using operations from the source CAD system that have no direct counterpart in the target CAD system. Although the case study focuses on 2D interoperability, our approach provides formal foundations for supporting 3D and semantic interoperability between CAD systems.


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.


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):  
Владимир Гусев ◽  
Vladimir Gusev ◽  
Елена Савина ◽  
Elena Savina

A high-performance and accurate machining of complex special surfaces with the aid of NC equipment at the simultaneous use of four and more controlled coordinate axes is impossible without application of modern CAD systems and post-processors. Functional potentialities and a methodology for the design of complex surface machining in a "flange" part in modern CAD Esprit system are considered. Control commands are described the realization of which ensures a procedure for a computer aided design of technology, the development of a control program and simulation of operation motions of working units in a lathe. The simulation of profile surface turning is described in an intelligible way which is particularly significant for the comprehension and use of material presented.


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.


TEM Journal ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1141-1149
Author(s):  
Alexey L. Khoroshko

In this paper there are examples showing that AutoCAD (computer-aided design (CAD)) was and still is a powerful tool for technical graphics. Since Autodesk is a pioneer in the market of commercial widely available CAD systems, in this company CAD principles (which can be used by relatively unprepared users), nature and volume of teams, sequence and features of their implementation were developed. Despite the fact that today AutoCAD is only one of many packages, and its use as a training program guarantees not only high-quality training of specialists, but also the fact that the employee can easily switch to another CAD system, intuitively understanding the principles of function. In terms of technical performance, AutoCAD is a complete tool covering the entire spectrum of functions in the field of "Engineering and Computer Graphics" course.


Author(s):  
J Y H Fuh ◽  
S H Wu ◽  
K S Lee

The die casting industry has an imperative need for an automated or semi-automated approach for die casting die design. One of the key challenges that die makers face is how to shorten the lead-time to the market and reduce the cost in die design and manufacturing. Most die makers have employed computer aided design (CAD) systems to improve the efficiency and quality of die design. However, conventional CAD systems do not have the functionality specially for the die casting die design, therefore, a specific computer aided system for die casting die design is needed to meet the market demand. This paper describes a prototype system structured by several functional modules as specific add-on applications on a commercial CAD system for die casting die design. These modules include data initialization, cavity layout, gating system design, die-base, parting, standard component design, etc. Focus of the development will be placed on gating, runner and die-base design.


Author(s):  
Brian Harper ◽  
David W. Rosen

Abstract Increasingly, designers are asked to consider additional types of requirements, including the environmental impact of their designs during the product’s lifetime and after its useful life. Two of these types of requirements are investigated in this paper. Demanufacturing is the process of dismantling a product and preparing for the disposal or recycling of components, modules, or materials. Product reuse retains a greater portion its value and often requires remanufacturing, the refurbishment of a product or product modules. Assessments of a product’s ease of de- and remanufacture are often desirable at various stages during the design process. In this paper, requirements for CAD representations to support de- and remanufacture assessments are identified. Information requirements are classified into categories according to the difficulty in extracting the information from assembly-based CAD representations. Information not obtainable from CAD representations is noted. Methods for querying CAD systems to extract significant amounts of this information are presented. These methods have been incorporated into the prototypical CAD system CODA. This work is applied to the design for de- and remanufacture of an automotive instrument cluster. It is shown that feasible disassembly sequences can be generated, ideal parts can be recognized, disassembly times can be reliably estimated, and input can be generated for spreadsheet-based assessment tools.


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