Semantic conflict reduction through automated feature reservation in multi-user computer-aided design

Today's CAD modelers are very efficient in processing 3D shapes of CAD models by means of B-Rep modeling operators such as pad, pocket, shaft, groove, hole, fillet and so on. At a lower description level, those modeling operators are based on Euler operators acting directly on the faces, edges and vertices of the B-Rep models. Using such a top-down approach, the designers do not have to work on low-level geometric entities, but rather manipulate so-called structural and detail features to shape directly the CAD models. However, there is still a gap between the shapes the designers have in mind and the way they have to decompose them in a succession of modeling steps. This paper proposes a new declarative modeling approach to design industrial shapes allowing the designers to interact with a CAD software at a more conceptual level. The designers enter a high-level description of the expected shapes that is then transformed through scripts into traditional CAD operators successively called to create the shapes. Compared to the traditional feature-based approaches, our declarative modeling approach is closer to the way designers think. It saves time while keeping all the advantages of existing efficient CAD modelers. This new approach aims at quickly creating drafts rather than final shapes. Those drafts can then be modified using classical CAD software in which our new approach is fully embedded. This approach is a first step towards a declarative CAD modeler.

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Analysis of Collaborative Assembly in Multi-User Computer-Aided Design

Cheng,

Olechowski

2023

Journal of Mechanical Design

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Cloud-based multi-user computer-aided design (MUCAD) tools have the potential to revolutionize design team collaboration. Previous research focusing on parametric part modeling suggests that teams collaborating through MUCAD are more efficient at producing a CAD model than individual designers. While these studies are enlightening, there is a significant gap in understanding the impact of MUCAD on assembly modeling, despite its crucial role in the design process. Part and assembly models are both defined by parametric relationships, but assembly models lack hierarchical feature dependency; we propose that by modularizing tasks and executing them in parallel, teams can optimize the assembly process in ways not possible with part modelling. Our study aims to examine and compare CAD assembly performance between individuals and virtual collaborative teams using the same cloud MUCAD platform. Through analyzing team communication, workflow, task allocation, and collaboration challenges of teams comprising 1-4 members, we identify factors that contribute to or hinder the success of multi-user CAD teams. Our results show that teams can complete an assembly in less calendar time than a single user, but single users are more efficient on a per-person basis, due to communication and coordination overheads. Notably, pairs exhibit an assembly bonus effect. These findings provide initial insights into the realm of collaborative CAD assembly work, highlighting the potential of MUCAD to enhance the capabilities of modern product design teams.

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Semantic conflict reduction through automated feature reservation in multi-user computer-aided design

Cited by 4 publications

References 15 publications

A State of the Art of Collaborative CAD Solutions

A State of the Art of Collaborative CAD Solutions

Detecting local undo conflicts in multi-user CAD

Analysis of Collaborative Assembly in Multi-User Computer-Aided Design

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