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?