Constructing Multi-Element Features Using A 3D CAD System
AssigneeDassault Systemes SolidWorks Corporation
InventorsJody Todd Stiles, Satish Rao Kanjarkar
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computer-implemented method and system creates a multi-element feature in a three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) model. A first element and a second element are selected to include in the multi-element feature. A single sketch is created comprised of sketch entities, a subset of which defines the first element and another subset of which defines the second element. A connection entity is included in the single sketch. The connection entity joins the first and the second elements. A modeling operation applied to the single sketch creates the multi-element feature.
Claims20
A computer-implemented method for constructing a multi-element feature in a three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) model, the method comprising:
- selecting a first element and a second element to include in the multi-element feature;
- creating a single sketch defining a shape of the multi-element feature, wherein:
- the single sketch includes a set of sketch entities;
- the first element is defined by a first subset of the sketch entities;
- and
- the second element is defined by a second subset of the sketch entities;
- including in the set of sketch entities a connection entity, wherein the connection entity joins the first element and the second element;
- and
- applying a modeling operation to the single sketch, wherein applying results in the creation of the multi-element feature.
A non-transitory computer-readable data storage medium comprising instructions causing a computer to:
- select a first element type and a second element type to include in a multi-element feature in a three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) model;
- specify parameters for the first element type and the second element type;
- construct a single sketch defining a shape of the multi-element feature, wherein:
- the single sketch includes a first subset of sketch entities defining the first element, a second subset of entities defining the second element, and a connecting entity, wherein the connecting entity joins the first element and the second element in the single sketch;
- and
- apply a modeling operation to the single sketch to create the multi-element feature.
A computer-aided design system comprising:
- a processor operatively coupled to a data storage system, the data storage system storing a three-dimensional model;
- and
- a data storage memory operatively coupled to the processor and comprising instructions to configure the processor to:
- select a first element type and a second element type for inclusion in a multi-element feature in a three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) model;
- specify parameters for the first element type and the second element type;
- construct a single sketch defining a shape of the multi-element feature, wherein:
- the single sketch includes a first subset of sketch entities defining the first element, a second subset of entities defining the second element, and a connecting entity, wherein the connecting entity joins the first element and the second element in the single sketch;
- and
- create the multi-element feature by applying a modeling operation to the single sketch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.