Emulate 3D CAD as the Model Functionality

Purpose

• Allows users to create dynamic digital twins directly from CAD aspects.
• Supports simulation of behavior such as physics properties, joints, motors, and I/O for external controllers.

Key Features

Integration

• Aspects can be added both within Emulate 3D application or within CAD packages (e.g., using SolidWorks add-in).
• Utilizes CAD update feature to keep files in sync.

Example Process

• System Configuration:

  • Contains conveyor sections.
  • Add conveyor surfaces using CAD as the model toolbar by defining leading and trailing surfaces.
  • Motors can be configured for speed profiles or pulse generation.

• Control:

  • Connect to a PLC using customizable control modes.
  • Tag browser for visualization, management, and debugging.

Load Interaction

• Mark objects as loads to interact with conveyors.
• Loads move according to motor speed and friction settings.
• Add physics aspects for interaction with sides, deflectors, or pushers.

Physics and Dynamics

• Physics Geometry: Makes object solid and enables collisions.
• Rigid Body: Dynamic object with mass affected by forces and gravity.
• Joints:
  • Kinematic Joints: Constraints and movement without external forces.
  • Prismatic Joint: Linear movement without rotation, can be inverse kinematic for closure constraints or mouse interaction.
  • Joint Restrictions: Limit range of motion.
  • Motor and Control Mode: Drive joint to set location, provide feedback, and use limit switches.

Mechanisms

• Combining Joints: Produce mechanisms, including closed loops.
• Kick Matic Revolute Joint: Allows rotation around a fixed axis, configurable with a mouse, and relative to base component.
• Rotational Motor: Configure speed, acceleration, deceleration, and drive to required angle.
• Dynamic Joint: Models mechanisms influenced by external forces. Applies maximum force to achieve motor target speed.

Additional Features

• Other Joint Types: Spherical, helical, planar, cylindrical.
• Gears and Couplings: Modeled using passive parameters.
• Custom Aspects: End effectors, control panels, sensors, load sources, sinks, and more, with custom scripting using C#.

Applications

• Simulate and analyze systems immediately.
• Interact with mechanisms and control panels in virtual reality.
• Connect to external controllers for virtual commissioning.