Are we training our novices towards quality 2D profiles for 3D models?

In the history-based, feature-based, parametric CAD approach, 2D profile sketches are the basis for 3D models. Fully-constraining profiles is mandatory to create robust profiles. At present, neither CAD applications nor Model Quality Testing Tools usually check whether 2D profiles contain redundant constraints. Besides, our experience shows that novices tend to introduce redundant constraints. We hypothesize that 2D profiles over-constrained with redundant relations are more difficult to edit than those that avoid redundancies. In the present work―and as a first step to demonstrate this hypothesis―an experiment was conducted. Students of the subject “Graphics engineering” were taught on the creation of constrained 2D profiles. Then, they were asked two questions. On the one hand, novices had to identify and reason whether a simple given profile was fully-constrained, over-constrained or under-constrained. On the other hand, they had to identify and point out the types of the constraints. The results showed that in spite that novices received a specific training, roughly half of them failed to say if the 2D profile sketch was fully-constrained and which type of constraints it contained. Furthermore, the results of the second question revealed that more than the half of students did not recognize perpendicularity as a geometric constraint. As future work, we will try to demonstrate whether a reinforced training through simple exercises and a quick and effective feedback, will allow novices to improve the identification and removal of redundant 2D constraints when drawing 2D profile sketches (thus helping to produce robust profiles)

On the effects of the fix geometric constraint in 2D profiles on the reusability of parametric 3D CAD models

[EN] In order to be reusable, history-based feature-based parametric CAD models must reliably allow for modifications while maintaining their original design intent. In this paper, we demonstrate that relations that fix the location of geometric entities relative to the reference system produce inflexible profiles that reduce model reusability. We present the results of an experiment where novice students and expert CAD users performed a series of modifications in different versions of the same 2D profile, each defined with an increasingly higher number of fix geometric constraints. Results show that the amount of fix constraints in a 2D profile correlates with the time required to complete reusability tasks, i.e., the higher the number of fix constraints in a 2D profile, the less flexible and adaptable the profile becomes to changes. In addition, a pilot software tool to automatically track this type of constraints was developed and tested. Results suggest that the detection of fix constraint overuse may result in a new metric to assess poor quality models with low reusability. The tool provides immediate feedback for preventing high semantic level quality errors, and assistance to CAD users. Finally, suggestions are introduced on how to convert fix constraints in 2D profiles into a negative metric of 3D model quality.The authors would like to thank Raquel Plumed for her support in the statistical analysis. This work has been partially funded by Grant UJI-A02017-15 (Universitat Jaume I) and DPI201784526-R (MINECO/AEI/FEDER, UE), project CAL-MBE. The authors also wish to thank the editor and reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions that helped us improve the quality of the paper.González-Lluch, C.; Company, P.; Contero, M.; Pérez Lopez, DC.; Camba, JD. (2019). On the effects of the fix geometric constraint in 2D profiles on the reusability of parametric 3D CAD models. 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Learning CAD at university through summaries of the rules of design intent

The ease with which 3D CAD models may be modified and reused are two key aspects that improve the design-intent variable and that can significantly shorten the development timelines of a product. A set of rules are gathered from various authors that take different 3D modelling strategies into account. These rules are then applied to CAD strategic-knowledge learning methodology and included in 3D CAD modelling exercises for students following the degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Burgos (Spain). The experiment was conducted in two groups with a total of 75 students. The design-intent rules were introduced in the different exercises that the teacher explained in both the theoretical and the practical classes. In addition, a summary of the different design rules in each of the practical exercises was explained in the practical classes in only one of the groups. The experimental results, reported in this paper, tested the influence of these summaries on overall improvements in 3D modelling and on the design-intent variable, which is subdivided into four sections: skeleton, structures, alterations and constraints. The use of the summaries of the design intent rules led to statistically significant improvements in 3D modelling in the experimental group, in comparison with the group of students to whom those summaries were not explained

Preserving Design Intent in Feature-Based Parametric CAD Data Exchange

Part 8: Knowledge Management and Information SharingInternational audienceThe proliferation of 3D technology on many different platforms has made CAD data exchange vital to industrial engineering innovation. The need to share and integrate CAD data, information, and knowledge amongst systems involved in product development has become an important requirement. This requirement is largely determined by a proper communication of design intent, which is usually expressed implicitly within CAD models or tacitly as experiential knowledge from domain experts. However, solutions for CAD data exchange are mostly restricted to the exchange of pure static shape information, restricting their applicability in many downstream processes. This paper suggests methods and strategies for preserving design intent in CAD data exchange. A test case is undertaken to demonstrate the idea and as evidenced in the results, the method proposed helps in capturing and preserving design intent

A Method to identify talented aspiring designers in use of personas with personality

Personnel engaged in developing applications using User-Centred Design (UCD) techniques need to have special abilities and training to design products that meet the needs of users. Persona, an archetypical user, is used for design of applications. Persona with personality is deemed to better represent a user as personality provides a richer profile and affects the way users interact with technology. This paper presents a novel technique to identify talented aspiring designers in use of persona with personality. We authored four personas with different personality traits. Thirty-three participants completed a spatial ability test, answered personality trait questionnaires and performed a design activity. Our assessment of design artefacts indicate that participants who score high in imagination personality factor and spatial ability tests are talented designers in the use of personas with personality within UCD methodologies. The implication of our study is that the talented designers can be identified and utilised more productively.22 page(s