Exploring representations for parallel development of design solutions using parametric systems (original) (raw)

Parallel Development of Parametric Design Models Using

2012

Exploring problems through multiple alternatives is a key aspect of design. In this paper, we present a prototype system as an extension to existing parametric CAD tools that enables parallel generation and editing of design alternatives. The system is built on two fundamental ideas. First, use of subjunctive dependency graphs enables simultaneous work on multiple design variations. These graphs capture and reveal complex data flow across alternative parametric CAD models. Second, prototype-based modeling provides a weak notion of inheritance enabling incremental description of differences between alternatives. The system is intended to be general enough to be used in different CAD platforms and other systems using graph-based modeling. The three basic system functions are definition of alternatives (variations) using prototype-based modeling, structural and parametric divergences of the prototypes, and interactive comparison. The goal of this research is consistent with the general qualities expected from any creativity support tools: enabling exploration and simultaneous development of variations.

Parallel development of parametric design models using subjunctive dependency graphs

Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture, 57-66. ACADIA. San Francisco: California College of the Arts, 2012, 2012

Juxtaposed Designs Models : A Method for Parallel Exploration in Parametric CAD

2017

Computational tools mainly support authoring single-state models, which fall short in enabling designers to work with multiple solutions side-byside. This is a natural design behaviour commonly observed when designers use other media or improvise digital tools to explore alternatives. In this paper we attempt to formalize a method that aims to help designers to create multiple design alternatives derived from a base parametric model and its controllers. The goal is to change alternative designs such that each alternative can respond to changes as their internal structures allow. We present five assumptions on the tools that this can be achieved and also a parametric design pattern to be used in similar situations. Despite the complexity of the models, we can demonstrate the possibility of working with multiple solutions in architectural design.

ParaXplore Interfaces: Parametric Interfaces for Parallel Exploration in Design

Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools provide little direct support for working with multiple parallel designs. This lack of version-control has lead designers to adopt ad-hoc techniques, such as opening two files side-by-side; layering designs for comparison; copy-pasting partial solutions to merge; saving versions manually, etc. These techniques for one are rudimentary, and have limited benefits for designers when it comes to common operations on multiple designs. On one hand, design literature motivates designers to explore multiple designs in parallel for better comparison and decision-making; on the other hand, existing computational support limits such activities. Furthermore, the implications for a system capable of working with multiple parallel designs have yet to be explored. In this dissertation, I aim to identify, propose and develop parallel exploration interfaces to answer how designers can work with multiple design variations in parallel? A series of experimental studies are proposed with cyclic prototype-evaluate-feedback phases. Each phase informs the prototype development for the next phase, along with a new set of research questions.

Parametric CAD modeling: An analysis of strategies for design reusability

Computer-Aided Design, 2016

CAD model quality in parametric design scenarios largely determines the level of flexibility and adaptability of a 3D model (how easy it is to alter the geometry) as well as its reusability (the ability to use existing geometry in other contexts and applications). In the context of mechanical CAD systems, the nature of the feature-based parametric modeling paradigm, which is based on parent-child interdependencies between features, allows a wide selection of approaches for creating a specific model. Despite the virtually unlimited range of possible strategies for modeling a part, only a small number of them can guarantee an appropriate internal structure which results in a truly reusable CAD model. In this paper, we present an analysis of formal CAD modeling strategies and best practices for history-based parametric design: Delphi's horizontal modeling, explicit reference modeling, and resilient modeling. Aspects considered in our study include the rationale to avoid the creation of unnecessary feature interdependencies, the sequence and selection criteria for those features, and the effects of parent/child relations on model alteration. We provide a comparative evaluation of these strategies in the form of a series of experiments using three industrial CAD models with different levels of complexity. We analyze the internal structure of the models and compare their robustness and flexibility when the geometry is modified. The results reveal significant advantages of formal modeling methodologies, particularly resilient techniques, over non-structured approaches as well as the unexpected problems of the horizontal strategy in numerous modeling situations.

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

INCOSE International Symposium, 2016

Fully parametric 3D CAD models of deep drawing tools require an enormous amount of temporal and financial effort which makes design engineers shy away from it. The Institute of Forming Technology and Machines (IFUM) and the Society for the Advancement of Applied Computer Science (GFaI) are currently developing a new method for the model driven design of deep drawing tools. The core of this method is a graphical modelling language for this domain that is based on and compatible with SysML but improves several diagram types. The new language aims to make the modelling of parametric relations and dependencies easier and less error-prone.

Interactive Programming for Parametric CAD

Computer Graphics Forum, 2020

Parametric computer‐aided design (CAD) enables description of a family of objects, wherein each valid combination of parameter values results in a different final form. Although Graphical User Interface (GUI)‐based CAD tools are significantly more popular, GUI operations do not carry a semantic description, and are therefore brittle with respect to changes in parameter values. Programmatic interfaces, on the other hand, are more robust due to an exact specification of how the operations are applied. However, programming is unintuitive and has a steep learning curve. In this work, we link the interactivity of GUI with the robustness of programming. Inspired by programme synthesis by example, our technique synthesizes code representative of selections made by users in a GUI interface. Through experiments, we demonstrate that our technique can synthesize relevant and robust sub‐programmes in a reasonable amount of time. A user study reveals that our interface offers significant improve...

Using Rule Based Selection to Support Change in Parametric CAD Models

Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2006

Parametric CAD applications enable designers to model and maintain both objects and relationships. Selection is the first step in the process of establishing relationships in a CAD model. Because designing is characterized by a process of change and development, establishing and maintaining relationships can contribute significant overhead to a parametric design process. Selection rules can be used to reduce the overhead involved in maintaining relationships and increase the portability of model objects by pushing responsibility for maintaining relations to the computer. We report on two implemented concepts for rule based selection and discuss directions for future research.

BendCad: a design system for concurrent multiple representations of parts

Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 1996

Concurrency in product design and manufacturing process planning is supported in a recently developed sheet metal design system that incorporates preliminary process design at the detail product design stage. This new 'design with process features' approach represents the evolving part form to the designer in multiple process domains and at multiple stages of a sequential process. Each set of part form representations defines the conceptualized process that transforms it from one to the other. At this modeling level, processes are reversible so that design activity can take place in any of the domains and be transferred to the others. We have fully implemented this concept in a sheet metal design/manufacturing system in which preliminary process design occurs concurrently with product design and the normal representational ambiguities of wireframe and flat panel models are eliminated.

Exploring representations for parallel development of design solutions using parametric systems (original) (raw)

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