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Parametric Design

This project focuses on creating an automated layout optimization program using 3-D parametric design techniques with MATLAB and Excel VBA. The system aims to optimize shapes for layouts like plant machinery, pallet packaging, and shipping containers.

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Parametric Design

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  1. Parametric Design William Foil Tyler Kennedy Advisors: Dr. ma and Dr. Saadeh Professor: Dr. Koutsougeras ET-494, Senior Design

  2. 3-D Parametric Design • 3-D parametric design is a modeling approach that uses parameters to define features and relationships between parts • SOLIDWORKS is our chosen 3-D design software

  3. Objective • Create an automated layout optimization program • Based on: • Shapes (rectangles) from user • Boundary from user

  4. How is this Useful? • Plant machine layouts • Pallet packaging layouts • Shipping container layouts

  5. Working Principle - MATLAB • MATLAB Analyzes: • Size of shapes • Possible orientation of shapes • Available area • MATLAB Then: • Places shapes • Stores shape coordinates in Matrix A • Stores Boundary coordinates in Matrix B • Stores unfillable shape coordinates in Matrix C • Sends Matrix A, B, and C to an Excel file

  6. MATLAB Illustration

  7. MATLAB Illustration

  8. Working Principle – Excel VBA and SolidWorks • VBA First: • Assigns Matrix A values to Array A • Assigns Matrix B values to Array B • Assigns Matrix C values to Array C • Excel Then: • Calculates new Y coordinates for Arrays A, B, and C • Calculate every shape’s center face coordinates • Creates Object in SolidWorks based on coordinates

  9. VBA Inputs Coordinates used to create objects in SolidWorks

  10. VBA Output Final SolidWorks rendering. Green – Shapes that were placed Blue – Space that was to be left empty (boundary). Red – Space that could NOT be filled

  11. Initial Proposal Deliverables • Fine-tune new MATLAB program • Link VBA and MATLAB programs • Plot optimized shapes in SolidWorks

  12. What We Accomplished • Establish connection between MATLAB and Excel • Establish connection between VBA and SOLIDWORKS • Plot: • Optimized shapes in Solidworks • Boundaries in Solidworks • Special shapes in Solidworks

  13. Moving Forward • Convert all existing code to C++ or VBA • Make stand alone executable program • Companies that could benefit: • Laitram L.L.C. – Useful for arranging platforms or rearranging machine cells in reference to priority • Maersk Line- Useful for maximizing usable space aboard a ship when storing shipping containers. • Lapeyre Stair: building raised play areas using standard shapes (potential collaboration) • Any company that needs to maximize usable space on a pallet.

  14. Questions?

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