PTC Inc.
Smart relations of computer aided design (CAD) components

Abstract:

In most of today's computer aided design (CAD), there are many definitive relationship between how components used in a CAD design relate to other components and feature in the same design. These relationships include sizing (a component is sized based upon another component), placement and orientation (a component is position and orientated based upon another component or feature). In addition, certain components can only be used with other specific components within the same design. Various attributes are placed on the CAD components and features that relate to each other that will be used to automatically size, place and orientate components, as well as make sure the component is valid to be used within the design intent. This saves designers considerable amount of design time as well as ensuring accurate component to component relationship as used in their design.