Adding constraints between components of a computer-aided design (CAD) model

摘要

The disclosed methods and systems allow adding constraints (“mates”) between components of the CAD model when in a graphics mode (i.e., when bodies of the CAD model are not loaded). Information regarding CAD model entities is accessed from a computer database, where the CAD model entities belong to one or more components of the subject CAD model. A graphical representation of the subject CAD model is presented to a user without loading bodies of the subject CAD model. The user is enabled to add a constraint between first and second entities of the subject CAD model, and information for the added constraint is stored with the subject CAD model in the computer database. Displaying the model in graphics mode saves time as well as memory usage, and the added constraints persistent after resolving the components from the graphics mode.