Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Nature of design:
As technologies improve and the software becomes more powerful, so do the opportunities
for designers to create new and exciting products, services and systems. Greater freedom in
customization and personalization of products has a significant impact on the end user. The
ability to virtually prototype, visualize and share designs enhances the whole design cycle
from data analysis through to final designs.
The use of CAD to simulate the conditions in which a product will be used allows the
designer to gain valuable data at low cost. For example, simulating the flow of air across a
car exterior negates the need for a car and wind tunnel.
Guidance:
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of using computer-aided modelling
Understand how data models structure data through database models
Understand that the design of information systems enable the exchange data
Understand how haptic technology, motion capture, VR and animation can be used
to simulate design scenarios and contexts
Be able to compare FEA testing strategies with physical models testing
Understand how FEA systems are used when designing and developing products
There is a variety of different types of CAD software depending on the application to which
it is being applied. Each of these systems applies is own form of internal logic that must be
understood by designers.
1
CAD software is used in various stages of the design process to create, modify, and evaluate
designs.
Software that produces a 2-D Software that creates a 3-D Software that creates a
image of a design. These model that contains realistic, but virtual
images are used to information about the representation of a design.
communicate about the dimensions, materials, etc.
This is used to present the
design. of the design. This
information can be used to design concept to clients and
produce the design using for advertising.
CAM.
2
Parametric models: 3D models that are defined by constraints and features. This type of
modelling allows for changes to be quickly and accurately made and updated automatically.
The kinds of models you build in Fusion 360 are parametric models
3
Figure 3: Rendering in MAYA
In 3-D graphic design, rendering is the process of add shading, colour and lamination to a
2-D or 3-D wireframe in order to create life-like images on a screen.
4
Use Cases (2-D software):
to create digital drawings that can communicate concepts and information to a
client
Serve as a foundation for refining a design
Some 2D drawing file formats (DFX, for example) can be used to by CAD equipment
such as laser cutters and routers
Presentation of schematic drawings such as circuits, floor plans, etc.
SURFACE MODELLING:
Surface modelling, sometimes called rendering, and only communicates information about
the surface of the design. Rendering software uses data about the surface qualities,
material, lighting, etc., to create a virtual representation of the product. There is no
information about the interior of the product, the parts, or components.
These types of models are usually presented as 2D graphics files (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.) or
animated videos. Blender, Maya, and 3D Studio Max are examples of surface modelling
programs.
5
Purpose: To communicate the aesthetic form and scale of an object.
Audience: Clients who want to understand how a design will look. Designers who want to
quickly communicate ideas.
Figure 4: This image of a Dyson hair dryer is created as a 3D model. However, the data in the
file can only be used for 2d graphics, and animation. There is no information about the
internal components, materials, etc. The model does not contain information that another
machine (like a 3D printer) could use to produce the part.
SOLID MODELS:
They are accurate digital models of the whole part or object. They contain information that
can be used by CAM hardware to produce the part or object. Solid model file formats
include STL, commonly used for 3D printing.
Audience: Designers and Manufacturers who need information about how to manufacture
the design using CAD/CAM technology.
6
Figure 5: This example of a drone contains information about the form and shape, but also
materials, dimensions, etc. The information in this CAD model could be used by other
machines (like a 3D printer, for example) to produce the product.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
7
CAD Modelling Strategies: Top-Down, Bottom-up, or Hybrid:
Designers have several strategies by which they can approach developing a CAD model. It is
important to consider which strategy is best suited for the design goal.
A combination of both approaches. Some of the parts are designed individually (bottom up)
while others are designed using the relational Top-down approach. Most modern CAD
software allows a combination of both approaches.
DATA MODELS:
These types of models typically consist of a database or data set that is used to present and
or understand the performance for a design. Data modelling is based on the requirements
for the use of context or application.
8
(a) Flat file models:
Use a file structure involving data records that have no structured relationship.
Do not link records together like a family tree, but each record type has only one
owner. (eg: a purchase order is owned by only one owner)
Organise data as a set of formally described tables from which data can be accessed
or reassembled in many ways without having to reorganize the database tables.
9
(d) Object oriented models:
In object oriented data model, data and their relationships are contained in a single
structure which is referred as object in this data model. For example, real world problems
are represented as objects with different attributes.
- Objects:
- Attributes:
An attribute describes the properties of object. For example: Object is STUDENT and its
attribute are Roll no, Branch, Set marks () in the student class.
10
(e) Network models:
It is a special case of the hierarchical data model in which each record type can have
multiple owners ( eg: purchase orders are owned by both customers and products)
Using motion capture technology, accurate data can be gathered to understand the
performance and design context.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is the calculation of loads and stresses on a product using CAD
software. FEA uses a computer model of an object that is then analysed to how it reacts
when certain stresses such as heat, force, or load are applied.
FEA is a powerful tool that allows a designer to virtually evaluate the suitability, durability,
and strength of design before producing a costly physical prototype.
Two common forms of FEA that a product designer might perform are:
Heat: to analyse how heat is transferred through the product. To determine where
hot spots might be in a design and if these may degrade the design
11
Figure 6: FEA analysis of the bicycle frame above shows areas of great stress (Red), and low stress
(Blue)
Figure 7: Visualization of how a car deforms in an asymmetrical crash using finite element analysis
VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING:
Prototyping is the use of CAD to develop realistic, interactive models. These virtual models
allow the designer to simulate the design, communicate with clients and the design team,
and explore the design. Virtual prototyping is powerful tool because it can:
reduce development time as designs can quickly be created and modified based on
feedback from the client, engineers, etc.
Virtual prototyping can involve various aspects of CAD, from Solid or Surface models, FEM,
to video fly-through.
12
DIGITAL HUMANS, MOTION CAPTURE, HAPTIC TECHNOLOGY,
DIGITAL HUMANS:
Digital humans are digital simulations of the biomechanics of the human body. These kinds
of models are used to predict how humans will move and interact with a virtual prototype.
[The video link above shows how digital humans are used to design the cockpit (interior) of cars, as well as the
manufacturing assembly line]
[The video link above shows Pascal Berard speaking about the Digital Human Project to be used by film
makers]
13
Using digital models of human’s designers can analyse and confirm:
Efficiency:
Ensure equipment, controls, and machines are positioned to save time and avoid
hazards
Resources: Download Digital Human models from the Open Design Lab
http://tools.openlab.psu.edu/tools/fetcher.php
MOTION CAPTURE:
Motion capture is the recording of actual human movement using video, magnetic, or
electro-mechanical devices.
Motion capture systems use some type of reflective, LED, magnetic, or acoustic marker that
is connected to the joints.
To produce a motion capture, the movements of a human are captured and then mapped to
a digital model. The capture records just the movements, not the physical appearance of the
model. The movements are much more natural looking, and much time (and cost) is saved.
14
Models can only perform movements that are anatomically possible. Using a system such as
MVN Analyser from Xsens (see video) also allows for the real-time capture of accurate
kinematic data.
In addition to the obvious use in animation and entertainment, motion capture can also be
used to analyse how different users interact with a product, with the goal of improving
safety and ergonomics.
[In this video from Xsens, we can see how motion capture technology is used to understand human factors and
ergonomics in various design contexts]
Figure 8: Combination of Motion Capture and Digital Humans in Seimen's Technomatix software used to
analyze ergonomics in a vehicle.
HAPTIC TECHNOLOGIES:
Haptic technologies use the sense of touch to provide feedback to the user. When interact
with haptic technologies when our mobile phone vibrates when you press a button. More
recently, some touch pads on notebook computers provide haptic feedback to the user as
the move the mouse around the screen. It is also used in many gaming consoles
Haptic technologies allow the user to interact more closely with the computer simulation
and to respond to feedback from the system. Remote surgery systems rely on haptic
feedback to communicate to the surgeon the nuance of the operation.
15
Figure 9: The haptic glove, the AxonVR, uses micro-pockets of air in the touch surfaces to communicate touch
to the user.
16
VIRTUAL REALITY (VR):
Virtual reality technologies create a virtual environment where the user can interact with it
in a realistic way. VR technologies rely on wearable technologies such as a helmet and
goggles as well as haptic technologies to provide feedback to the user.
As seen in the video of Ford's Immersive Vehicle Environment Lab, VR technologies can
provide valuable feedback about the design, ergonomics, use, and safety of a design.
Because of its virtual nature, changes can be easily and quickly tested, saving time and
development costs.
In addition, valuable data can be gathered about how users interact and use a product.
[Ford's Immersive Vehicle Environment Lab is used to evaluate safety and ergonomic features of a
car. Note how the system uses a combination of VR, Haptic, and Motion capture technologies.]
[Hyundai uses VR Tech as part of the design process to explore ideas, collaborate, and test concepts.]
ANIMATION:
Animation can be used to simulate a process. It can be used to confirm the placement of
equipment and determine safety, ergonomics, and efficiency of a factory layout.
17