Extended 3D annotations as a new mechanism to explicitly communicate geometric design intent and increase CAD model reusability

Abstract

Revista:Computer-Aided Design Versión / Versió: Preprint Cita bibliográfica / Cita bibliogràfica (ISO 690):CAMBA, Jorge, et al. Extended 3D annotations as a new mechanism to explicitly communicate geometric design intent and increase CAD model reusability. ComputerAided Design, 2014, vol. 57, p. 61-73 AbstractA successful implementation of the Model-Based Enterprise concept (MBE) requires maximizing the potential benefits of annotated 3D models. The foundations of the MBE model are established by digital product definition data practices, which are currently regulated by standards such as ASME Y14. 41-2003 and ISO 16792:2006. At the center of the MBE concept is the notion of CAD model reusability, which relies on the idea that 3D CAD models can be reused both throughout the entire product lifecycle and as a starting point for future development of new products. In this context, a critical aspect of CAD model reuse is the proper identification and understanding of the geometric design intent that is usually expressed implicitly within the CAD model.In this work, we present a method to communicate geometric design intent explicitly by overloading and extending the scope of the current annotation instruments available in the MBE approach. We propose a new broader type of model annotation that we call "extended annotation," where design information is represented both internally within the 3D model and externally, on a separate repository. This structure naturally demands additional mechanisms to support the interaction of users with the information. In order to manage the information stored in these extended annotations effectively, we implemented an annotation manager that automatically synchronizes the dual representation of the annotations. To reduce the visual clutter in the 3D model, the software provides powerful filtering, editing, and visualization capabilities, giving users complete control of the information stored in the model. Finally, a study was conducted with 60 participants to evaluate the performance of the proposed model and the usability of the annotation manager. Results show a statistically significant benefit of using the extended annotation system, suggesting the use of this model as a valuable approach to improve design intent communication.

On the Application of Model-Based Definition Strategies to the Delivery of Technical Training

“…Furthermore, when properly and sufficiently annotated, comprehensive design documentation could be generated automatically from models and assemblies. Based on the system described earlier [18], we propose the use of annotated models as facilitators of training materials. Instructors can develop educational materials by building a model step by step and adding annotations with standard PMI tools.…”

“…To simplify the implementation of the proof of concept, the interface developed in our previous work [18] was further refined in preparation for the delivery of training materials. The new interface provides combined filters, table sorting, multimedia support, and PLM connectivity.…”

Revisiting the design intent concept in the context of mechanical CAD education

“…They found that "Horizontal" modeling provides for easy alteration because features are independent elements, but that this method is not the most intuitive strategy and describe it as producing the most flexible models, but reduces the functionalities that make the model parametric [13]. They further state that "Explicit References" modeling provides for simple models but are difficult to model and "Resilient" modeling is effective, in spite of reference nodes needed to reduce dependencies [13].…”

“…Camba and colleagues examined different methods to create reusable 3D models [13]. They found that "Horizontal" modeling provides for easy alteration because features are independent elements, but that this method is not the most intuitive strategy and describe it as producing the most flexible models, but reduces the functionalities that make the model parametric [13].…”

Product Modeling Based on Structure Pre-Mapping

“…配合"的思想。类似概念如装配语义元 [6] 、基于零 件几何表面交互的行为模型 [7] 、功能表面 [8] 、接触& 通道模型 [9] 等都在某种程度上体现了这一思想。但 装配接口和装配语义元仅考虑一个零件上的几何/ 特征信息，较少考虑零件之间的配合结构和配合行 为；其他概念则主要关注产品抽象概念向详细设计 的演化，难以直接在过程层面实现零件建模和装配 建模的集成。在上述基于功能的设计方法之外，基 于特征的方法采用装配特征 [10][11][12] 等概念融合装配位 置、约束、路径、运动等信息 [5] ，可提高装配建模 后续产品研制活动的效率和质量；基于标注的方 法 [13][14] 通过三维标注等手段亦可在零件模型中捕获 一定的设计意图。但装配特征和三维标注等方法融 合的主要是静态信息；同时，装配特征中的装配路 径、运动等仅是对结果的一种记录，且其主要面向 装配建模及其后续规划阶段的集成，并未系统地考 虑零件建模。尽管如此，三类方法所体现的"在零 件建模时即考虑如何与其他零件配合"的思想，以 及其中存在的"偶"的概念(如装配特征包含两个零 件上的形状特征 [5,12] ， "使定表面"和"定位表 面" [8] ，工作表面偶 [9] ，配合面偶 [15] 等)，都具有极 大的启发性。 与上述事前方法的思路不同，事后方法主要在 零件配合活动发生时对配合活动进行辅助，代表性 方法包括装配导航 [16] 、装配约束识别 [17] 等技术。前 , , MT:…”