Embracing strategic knowledge for developing a methodological framework for parametric modeling quality

Abstract

In Model-Based Enterprise environments, 3D CAD models — specifically, native parametric solid models — become the primary carriers of design information for engineering and manufacturing activities. It is therefore critical that these assets are built to the highest levels of quality and explicitly meet the requirements for being: 1) usable, the model is valid, and it represents, without error, all the significant geometric aspects; 2) reusable, the model is consistent and concise and reasonable changes are facilitated; and 3) information-rich, the model clearly communicates its design intent both implicitly and explicitly with annotations. Current practices for parametric associative CAD modeling, however, barely address usability and only consider reusability at the simplest and most basic level. In this paper, we discuss the inherent limitations of current modeling methodologies and identify the challenges involved in creating a fully comprehensive strategy. Finally, we outline the basis of a theoretical framework that aims to overcome these issues.