The 3D Design Optimizer performs a complete part regen every time variables are tweaked (considered one iteration). Multiple iterations are performed so the optimization can take some time. There is a check box to disable the undo history to reduce memory consumption.

 

There are +/- buttons and a step size value so that you can interactively tweak dimensions to drive the target variable up or down. You can also step through design optimization iteration at a time and save the optimization setup with the active part. It will be recalled automatically when the command is invoked again.

 

The 3D Design Optimizer Form below shows the bottle design in the figure above being driven toward a desired volume target parameter. The variable named "bottle_volume" was created using the Variable option during the Inquire Mass Properties command. The "BottleHeight" and "BottleWidth" are name tags that were attached to the driving dimensions prior to the optimization using the Attach Name Tag command. You can drive the Optimizer to reach a specified volume or determine the min or max volume based on min/max values of the driving variable or dimensions.

 

 

 

 

 

Use this section to define the driving variables and/or dimensions and their values that will be considered during the optimization (i.e., sets the criteria).

 

Place a check in the box next to each driving variable and/or dimension that you want to be considered part of the optimization. This makes it easier to set up the form with several variables and dimensions and then run different optimizations using sub-sets.

 

Name

Displays the name of the driving variable or dimension. You can enter it into the field directly if it exists or pick the "<" button (see below) to select a dimension or browse for existing variables.

 

Min, Max

Enter the minimum and maximum values to be considered for the variable or dimension specified in the Name field. The Optimizer will not exceed these values while converging toward the target design parameter (see below).

 

Value

Prior to optimization this is actual value of the variable or dimension specified in the Name field. During optimization, this value will dynamically update indicating the values being considered.

 

Step

Sets the Step size. Each time you pick the "+" or "-" buttons (see below) the Value (see above) will increase or decrease by this amount.

 

Pick this button to select a variable or dimension and add it to the optimization. You can select a dimension directly or right-click to browse for variables or show dimensions. Only variables or dimensions marked with a check

 to the left of the Name field will be considered during the optimization.

 

Increases or decreases the Value field by the amount specified in the Step field. You can Stop the optimization, change the Value and then continue to Run the optimization. This allows you to skip to that part of the optimization with a new value.

 

 

 

Use this section to define the target design parameter for the optimization (i.e., what you are looking for). During each iteration the target value is dynamically updated and displayed in the field indicated with "------->" The message field with indicate the memory usage during the optimization and will signal when a successful design optimization is achieved.

 

Pick this button to select a variable or dimension to use as the target design parameter. Again, you can select a dimension directly or right-click to browse for variables or show dimensions. You can enter it name in the field directly as long as it exists.

 

Steps through one complete design optimization iteration. The Values of the driving variables and dimensions are tweaked, the part is regenerated and the value of the target design parameter is recalculated and displayed.

 

Runs multiple design optimization iterations until the target design parameter value is reached (without being exceeded).

 

Completes the current design optimization iteration (including a regen) and then stops the optimization. The latest value of the target design parameter is displayed.

 

Minimize, Maximize

Select either of these options and then pick the Run button (see above). This will drive the optimization toward the minimum or maximum value allowable for the target design parameter without exceeding the Min/Max values of the driving variable and dimensions selected for the optimization.

 

Drive To

Select this option and then enter a value in the filed to the right. This will drive the optimization toward this value. The optimization will stop when this value is reached (but not exceeded) or when the Min/Max values of the driving variable and dimensions selected for the optimization are reached (but not exceeded).

 

 

 

Disable undo to save memory

Each iteration completed by selecting the Step button is considered one undo/redo operation. All iterations completed when the Run button is picked (until the Stop button is picked or when a conclusion is reached) are also considered one undo/redo operation.

 

For extensive optimizations this can consume considerable amounts of system memory. Check this box to disable undo/redo during optimization.

 

Save this Setup

Pick this button to save the currently displayed design optimization setup. The setup is saved with the active part and will be displayed the next time this command is invoked for the part.