A New Method of Visualization and Documentation of Parametric Information of 3D CAD Models

Abstract

The modeling process of complex assemblies with modern parametric 3D CAD systems generates a large network of various parametric dependencies and parameter information that is difficult to manage. In this paper, a new method and a software solution for extraction and visualization of all parametric information within 3D CAD models are presented. The requirements for the visualization of complex 3D CAD models are discussed and an overall solution concept is described. Based on the general structural analysis of the parametric 3D models, a CAD system-independent graphical language with two forms of visualization will be introduced. A data model to store parametric information from CAD models, as well as a method to export them has been developed. This paper also presents the implementation of the method in CATIA V5 and the validation on a number of CAD models.

The STG-framework: a pattern-based algorithmic framework for developing generative models of parametric architectural design at the conceptual design stage

“…While in [13] only the visualization of parameter and dependency information is realized by graphical language diagrams, the latest work covers implemented editors to create and modify models in a software prototype [14]. The presented work is to be understood as a proposal for the new method in model-driven design and the implementation serves as a demonstrator for the possibilities in its application.…”

Graphical Modelling of a Meta‐Model of CAD Models for Deep Drawing Tools

“…While modern CAD systems offer a high degree of automation and simplification of some designer tasks, they fail to present the functional interactions at the required level of abstraction particularly in the early phases of developing sheet metal tools (Marchenko et al, 2011). The missing support of these developing phases could prevent the development of new and innovative tool concepts (Prieur, 2006).…”

“…The dependencies describe relation between the parameters and CAD elements (such as parts, assemblies and features) and are modelled as constraints and relations. Constraints and relations can be created as algebraic, logic and semantic constraints, but also as functions and equations (Marchenko et al, 2011).…”

“…Importing a model from a CAD software to be extended into a meta-model 3. Importing a SysML model (or meta-model) to be extended into a meta-model An earlier research project implemented imports of existing CAD models for the CAD software CATIA V5 (Marchenko et al, 2011). The implementation uses an intermediate XML based format that could in principle be used to facilitate the import from other CAD software suites.…”

Supporting connectivism in knowledge based engineering with graph theory, filtering techniques and model quality assurance

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