HarnVis 3D Harness Visualisation

HarnVis is a 3D modelling system for visualising harness designs generated by the Tyco HarnWare PC Harness Design System.

HarnVis automatically generates to-scale 3D models of HarnWare wiring harness designs. HarnVis 3D models provide "virtual prototypes" of harnesses allowing the user to see what a harness will look like with lengths, diameters and parts shown to-scale. Dimensions over parts can be checked to ensure they will fit in the equipment. Also by simply clicking a part, the user can check part numbers, materials, finishes, adhesives, etc. This reduces the potential for errors.

Sometimes alternative Tyco Electronics products suggested by HarnWare have different overall dimensions which can affect the fit within the equipment. For example, type 1 and type 2 adaptors or right angled adaptors and right-angled boots may all be valid options, but when these are checked in HarnVis, certain options may be found to be too large for the available space envelope. Overall sizes can easily be checked in HarnVis by selecting one or more parts. HarnVis draws the minimum enclosing orthogonal volume over the selected parts and the dimensions can be queried.

HarnVis gives a good representation of most moulded parts when fitted to any suitable size of adaptor and harness leg. HarnWare indicates the preferred choice of moulded part, but when two or more alternatives are available to fit the mating parts, HarnVis makes the reason for the choice much clearer. For example, a small boot may seem a reasonable choice until it is seen straining to fit onto an adaptor in HarnVis. When choosing between alternative Tyco products, users often require more dimensional information than is contained in HarnWare. By clicking a part in HarnVis, the key part dimensions can be displayed. Moreover, sizes output for moulded parts relate to the dimensions achieved when the part is mated to the actual adaptors and harness legs.

The user can also access such data as Tyco Electronics part numbers, materials, finishes, adhesives, etc. This information is the same as that displayed in the HarnWare Design Wizard but as it is obtained by clicking a part rather than by scanning through a list, it is quicker to access in a way that relates to the harness design.

HarnVis 3D models can be viewed from any angle and centred on any part. Views are rendered in colour with lighting effects, which are very realistic. The smoothness of the model can be adjusted, as can the position of the light source and the perspective angle.

HarnVis can export 3D data into OpenHSF files. OpenHSF is an open standard and the files can be viewed in Microsoft Internet EXplorer. Click to view a sample OpenHSF file generated by HarnVis.

3D views are ideal for quotation drawings, presentations, exhibitions, etc. They have a more immediate impact than 2D schematic drawings, especially for those who are not trained in reading engineering drawings. HarnVis 3D views can be saved to file on disc or copied onto the Windows clipboard for pasting into Visio and other Windows programs such as Microsoft Word.

Layup Board Design

Harness legs can be bent and twisted into the shapes required either in the final equipment or the laying up board used to assemble the harness. Harness lay-up boards (also known as nail, form and peg boards) can be modelled by HarnVis and pegs can be automatically positioned along the harness legs.

Full-size drawings can also be plotted for use as layup board templates and x-y coordinates can be exported when NC drills or laser cutters are used in the manufacture of layup boards.

Ease of Use

While the 3D modelling methods used in HarnVis are much more restrictive than those in general purpose 3D CAD systems, HarnVis is much easier to use. The user works in the simple and fast 2D Visio/HarnWare environment and 3D models can be produced automatically in a few seconds whenever required. The 3D complexities do not get in the way or slow the user down as it is an optional output, rather than a working environment imposed upon him in the manner of most 3D CAD systems. 3D geometry is inherently difficult to work with, especially in a parametric form and, therefore, ease of use is still a serious constraint on the use of other 3D CAD systems for this type of application.

HarnVis will work with Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000 and XP. As a fast 3D graphics card is not essential, it should be possible to use HarnVis on any desktop or laptop computer that is suitable for the current version of Visio.

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