9.4 Design automation and configurators
4 min read•august 13, 2024
Design automation revolutionizes the way engineers work, making repetitive tasks a breeze. It uses smart software to create custom designs, generate documentation, and run analyses automatically. This saves time and reduces errors, letting designers focus on the creative stuff.
is the secret sauce behind design automation. By defining parts with flexible parameters and rules, engineers can quickly create product families and explore design options. It's like having a super-smart assistant that adapts designs on the fly.
Design Automation Principles
Fundamentals and Applications
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- Design automation uses software tools and techniques to automate repetitive or complex design tasks, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency
- Common applications include generating variations of parts or assemblies (customized designs based on user input), and automating design documentation and analysis
- Design automation relies on parametric modeling captures through parameters, , and relationships between features
- Rule-based design embeds and constraints into the model to ensure design validity and consistency
- (KBE) captures and reuses engineering knowledge to automate complex design processes
Key Principles and Techniques
- Parametric modeling creates flexible and adaptable models by defining features and geometry using parameters and variables
- Design intent is captured through sketches, features, and relationships between elements, enabling easy modification and updates
- Design rules and constraints built into parametric models ensure designs meet specific requirements and remain valid when parameters change
- Common constraint types include dimensional, geometric, and assembly constraints controlling size, shape, and position of features and components
- Design rules can be implemented using equations, conditional statements, and logical operators to define relationships between parameters and features
Parametric Modeling with Rules
Capturing Design Intent
- Parametric modeling allows designers to create flexible and adaptable models by defining features and geometry using parameters and variables
- Design intent is captured through the use of sketches, features, and relationships between elements, enabling easy modification and updates
- Parameters can control dimensions, shapes, and positions of features, as well as material properties and other attributes
- Relationships between features (parallel, perpendicular, tangent) maintain design intent when changes are made
- Parametric models enable rapid exploration of design alternatives by allowing designers to easily modify parameters and generate variations (different sizes, configurations)
Implementing Design Rules and Constraints
- Design rules and constraints can be built into parametric models to ensure that designs meet specific requirements and remain valid when parameters are changed
- Common types of constraints include dimensional (size), geometric (shape), and assembly constraints (position of components)
- Design rules can be implemented using equations, conditional statements (if-then), and logical operators (and, or) to define the relationships between parameters and features
- Rules can enforce minimum or maximum values for dimensions, ensure clearances between components, or control feature suppression based on parameter values
- Constraints and rules can be defined at the sketch, feature, or assembly level to control various aspects of the design
- Validation tools can check the model against defined rules and constraints to identify and resolve any violations or errors
Configurable Product Families
Design Tables for Multiple Configurations
- Configurable product families are groups of related products that share a common design but differ in specific features or dimensions (sizes, materials, options)
- are a powerful tool for creating configurable product families by defining multiple configurations of a model in a tabular format
- Each row in a design table represents a unique configuration of the model, with different values assigned to the parameters for each configuration
- Design tables can be linked to external data sources (spreadsheets, databases) to manage large numbers of configurations and streamline updates
- Parameters in the design table can control dimensions, feature suppression, material properties, and other attributes of the model
Flexible and Adaptable Designs
- Parameters can be used to control the visibility, suppression, or replacement of features based on the selected configuration, enabling the creation of flexible and adaptable designs
- Conditional statements can be used to define rules that control feature behavior based on parameter values or configuration settings
- Configurable product families allow companies to offer customized products while minimizing the need for unique designs and reducing engineering effort
- can be used to define and manage valid combinations of options and ensure the consistency of the product family
- Configurators and user interfaces can be developed to guide users through the selection of options and generate valid configurations based on rules and constraints
Streamlining Tasks with Automation
Automating Design Documentation
- Design automation can be used to streamline repetitive tasks, such as creating drawings, generating bills of materials (BOMs), and performing design analysis
- techniques (templates, styles, macros) can automatically generate consistent and accurate drawings based on the 3D model
- Drawing views, dimensions, and annotations can be automatically created and updated based on the model geometry and properties
- BOMs can be automatically generated and updated based on the model structure and configuration, reducing manual effort and ensuring accuracy
- BOM templates can be defined to control the format, structure, and content of the BOM based on company standards or customer requirements
Integrating Design and Analysis
- Design analysis (, ) can be automated using scripts and templates to streamline the setup and execution of simulations
- Automated meshing tools can generate high-quality meshes based on the model geometry and analysis requirements
- Material properties, boundary conditions, and loads can be automatically assigned based on the model configuration or predefined rules
- techniques can automate the generation of multiple variations or configurations of a design, saving time and effort
- Results post-processing and report generation can be automated to extract key metrics and create standardized documentation
- Design automation can be integrated with other systems (product lifecycle management (PLM), enterprise resource planning (ERP)) to enable seamless data exchange and process automation
Key Terms to Review (29)
Architecture modeling: Architecture modeling is the process of creating abstract representations of buildings and structures, which helps architects and designers visualize, analyze, and communicate their ideas effectively. It combines technical drawing skills with computer-aided design software to generate detailed models that can include dimensions, materials, and environmental considerations, making it crucial for both design automation and configurators.
ASME Y14.5: ASME Y14.5 is a standard developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers that outlines the principles and guidelines for geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) in engineering drawings. This standard helps ensure that engineers and manufacturers understand the design intent and functional requirements of parts, making it crucial for quality control and communication in the design process.
Autodesk Inventor: Autodesk Inventor is a 3D CAD software application used for product design, engineering, and simulation. It enables users to create precise 3D models and is widely utilized in mechanical design, enabling automation of the design process and improving productivity. The software’s capabilities include parametric modeling, assembly modeling, and drawing creation, making it essential for engineers and designers.
Automation workflows: Automation workflows refer to the systematic sequences of tasks and processes that are designed to automate repetitive functions in design and engineering, increasing efficiency and consistency. These workflows leverage software tools and technologies to streamline operations, reduce manual input, and ensure that processes are executed accurately without human intervention. By implementing automation workflows, organizations can significantly enhance productivity and reduce errors in design processes.
Automotive design automation: Automotive design automation refers to the use of software tools and technologies to streamline and enhance the design process of vehicles. This approach integrates various design elements, automates repetitive tasks, and facilitates collaboration among designers and engineers, leading to more efficient production cycles and improved design quality. By utilizing advanced computational techniques, automotive design automation enables faster iterations and reduces the chances of human error, ultimately contributing to innovative automotive solutions.
Batch processing: Batch processing is a method of executing a series of jobs or tasks in a program without manual intervention. It allows multiple tasks to be grouped together and processed in a single run, which can significantly enhance efficiency, particularly in design automation and scripting environments. This approach is often utilized to streamline workflows, reduce operational costs, and ensure consistent outputs across multiple executions.
Bills of Materials (BOM): A Bill of Materials (BOM) is a comprehensive list that outlines the raw materials, components, and sub-assemblies required to manufacture a product. It serves as a blueprint for production, detailing the quantities and specifications necessary for each item, making it a crucial part of design automation and configurators. BOMs help streamline the manufacturing process by providing clear guidelines on what materials are needed and how they fit together.
Bim automation: BIM automation refers to the use of technology and software to streamline and optimize Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes, making design and construction more efficient. By automating repetitive tasks, such as data entry, modeling, and coordination, BIM automation enhances productivity, reduces errors, and allows teams to focus on more complex design challenges.
Cad scripting: CAD scripting refers to the process of automating tasks and commands in computer-aided design software using programming or scripting languages. This method allows designers to create custom tools, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance the functionality of CAD applications, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and productivity in design workflows.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical analysis and algorithms to solve and analyze problems involving fluid flows. By simulating the interaction of liquids and gases with surfaces defined by boundary conditions, CFD plays a critical role in design automation, allowing engineers to optimize their designs based on fluid behavior without the need for extensive physical prototypes.
Configuration management tools: Configuration management tools are software applications that help manage and maintain systems, ensuring that all components are correctly configured and up-to-date. These tools automate the process of setting up, deploying, and managing infrastructure and applications, which enhances consistency and reduces human error in design automation and configurators.
Constraints: Constraints are limitations or restrictions that guide the design and decision-making process within engineering and design projects. They help define the boundaries within which a design must operate, ensuring that various aspects such as functionality, safety, cost, and materials are considered. By establishing these parameters, constraints facilitate design automation and configurators, leading to more efficient and effective solutions.
Data interoperability: Data interoperability refers to the ability of different systems, applications, or platforms to exchange, interpret, and utilize data seamlessly. This is crucial for ensuring that design automation tools and configurators can work together efficiently, allowing for a smoother workflow and better collaboration across different software and processes.
Design for manufacturing: Design for manufacturing (DFM) is the practice of designing products in a way that optimizes their manufacturability. This approach involves considering how the product will be produced, assembled, and maintained during the design phase to reduce costs, improve quality, and simplify production processes. By integrating manufacturing insights early in the design process, designers can create products that are easier and more cost-effective to manufacture while meeting performance and quality standards.
Design intent: Design intent refers to the underlying principles and objectives that guide the development of a design, ensuring that the final product meets the desired functionality, aesthetics, and performance criteria. It plays a crucial role in the design process by informing decisions related to feature-based modeling and editing, as well as automation processes for design configurators, ultimately aligning the design with the original vision.
Design rules: Design rules are specific guidelines or constraints established within a design automation system to ensure that the generated designs meet required standards and specifications. These rules help maintain consistency, quality, and functionality in design outputs while allowing for flexibility and automation in the design process.
Design tables: Design tables are tools used in computer-aided design (CAD) to automate the creation and modification of design elements based on predefined parameters. These tables allow designers to easily configure various aspects of a model, such as dimensions and features, enabling efficient customization and standardization in design automation processes.
Design templates: Design templates are pre-formatted designs that serve as a starting point for creating various types of drawings, models, or layouts. They streamline the design process by providing a standardized framework that can be customized, which enhances efficiency and consistency across projects.
Digital twin technology: Digital twin technology refers to the virtual representation of a physical object, system, or process that uses real-time data and simulations to mirror its real-world counterpart. This technology enables monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing performance by creating a dynamic digital replica that evolves alongside the physical entity. With capabilities to simulate different scenarios and predict outcomes, digital twins facilitate improved design automation and configurators.
Drawing automation: Drawing automation refers to the use of technology and software tools to create, modify, and manage technical drawings with minimal manual intervention. This process enhances efficiency by reducing the time and effort required for repetitive tasks, enabling designers and drafters to focus on more complex design aspects. Drawing automation often involves the integration of design automation systems that allow for dynamic updates and modifications based on changes in design parameters.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a computational method used to predict how structures and materials will react to forces, vibrations, heat, and other physical effects. This analysis breaks down complex geometries into smaller, simpler parts called elements, which are then analyzed collectively to assess the behavior of the entire structure under various conditions. By employing FEA, designers can automate and optimize their designs, ensuring that configurations meet specified requirements before physical prototypes are made.
Generative Design: Generative design is an innovative design process that uses algorithms and computational methods to create a wide range of design alternatives based on specified goals and constraints. This approach leverages powerful software to analyze performance, manufacturing methods, and material properties, allowing designers to explore multiple solutions quickly and efficiently. By combining human creativity with machine intelligence, generative design facilitates the creation of optimized and efficient designs that meet specific requirements.
ISO 9001: ISO 9001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS), ensuring organizations consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. It focuses on continual improvement, customer satisfaction, and the involvement of top management, which makes it crucial for various processes such as design automation, technical documentation, product data management, and manufacturing design.
Knowledge-based engineering: Knowledge-based engineering refers to the use of knowledge representation techniques to automate design processes and improve decision-making in engineering. This approach combines domain knowledge with computational tools, allowing for the creation of intelligent systems that can adapt to specific requirements and constraints. It plays a crucial role in enhancing design automation and configurators by enabling more efficient and flexible design processes.
Mass customization: Mass customization refers to the process of producing goods and services tailored to individual customer preferences while maintaining the efficiency of mass production. This concept combines the flexibility of custom-made products with the low costs associated with mass production, allowing companies to meet diverse consumer needs without sacrificing efficiency.
Parametric Modeling: Parametric modeling is a design approach that uses parameters and constraints to define the geometry and features of a model. This method allows for easy modifications of designs by simply changing the values of parameters, automatically updating the entire model based on these changes. This flexibility is crucial for editing commands and modifiers, solid primitives and extrusions, part libraries, design automation, and scripting techniques.
Product Configurator: A product configurator is a software tool that allows users to create customized products by selecting options and features according to their preferences. This tool streamlines the design process by automating the configuration of products, ensuring that all chosen specifications are compatible and feasible, ultimately enhancing efficiency and accuracy in product development.
Rules-based configuration: Rules-based configuration refers to a system of defining product options and specifications through a set of established rules, allowing for automated generation of customized designs based on user inputs. This approach streamlines the design process by ensuring that all configurations adhere to predefined criteria, minimizing errors and inconsistencies. By utilizing rules-based configuration, designers can efficiently manage complex product variations and make informed decisions during the design automation process.
SolidWorks: SolidWorks is a computer-aided design (CAD) software program used for 3D modeling, simulation, and product data management. This software is widely utilized in engineering and product design to create detailed models and assemblies that help visualize how components will fit and work together in real-world applications.