CODA: A Design Assistant to Facilitate Specifying Constraints and Parametric Behavior in CAD Models

Abstract

We present CODA, an interactive software tool, implemented on top of Autodesk Fusion 360, that helps novice modelers with designing well-constrained parametric 2D and 3D CAD models. We do this by extracting relations that are present in the design but are not yet enforced by constraints. CODA presents these relations as suggestions for constraints and clearly communicates the implications of every constraint by rendering animated visualizations in the CAD model. CODA also suggests dynamic alternatives for static constraints present in the model. These suggestions assist novices in CAD to work towards well-constrained models that are easy to adapt. Such well-constrained models are convenient to modify and simplify the process to make design alternatives to accommodate changing needs or specific requirements of machinery for fabricating the design.