CAD-Documenter/docs/ATOMIZER_INTEGRATION.md

Atomizer Integration Guide

CAD-Documenter generates FEA optimization hints that integrate with Atomizer, the Atomaste optimization framework.

Overview

When you explain your CAD model in a video walkthrough, CAD-Documenter extracts:

1. Optimization objectives - What you want to minimize/maximize
2. Design constraints - Limits and requirements
3. Design parameters - Variables that could be optimized
4. Critical regions - Areas requiring careful FEA attention

Verbal Cues → Atomizer Hints

Objectives

What You Say	Generated Objective
"minimize the weight"	{"name": "mass", "direction": "minimize"}
"maximize stiffness"	{"name": "stiffness", "direction": "maximize"}
"reduce stress"	{"name": "stress", "direction": "minimize"}
"keep the frequency high"	{"name": "frequency", "direction": "maximize"}
"minimize deflection"	{"name": "displacement", "direction": "minimize"}

Constraints

What You Say	Generated Constraint
"must fit in 200mm"	{"type": "envelope", "value": "200mm"}
"under 500 grams"	{"type": "limit", "value": "500g"}
"frequency above 100 Hz"	{"type": "minimum", "value": "100 Hz"}
"stress cannot exceed 150 MPa"	{"type": "maximum", "value": "150 MPa"}

Parameters

Mentioning these terms adds them to potential design parameters:

• thickness, wall thickness
• radius, fillet radius
• diameter, hole size
• length, width, height
• angle, spacing, count
• rib dimensions

Critical Regions

What You Mention	FEA Concern
"this fillet is important"	Stress concentration
"corner stress"	Stress concentration
"bearing load here"	Contact stress
"weld joint"	Fatigue concern
"interface between parts"	Contact analysis

Output Format

atomizer_hints.json

{
  "assembly_name": "Motor Bracket Assembly",
  "generated": "2026-01-27T20:15:00",
  
  "model_understanding": {
    "components": [
      {
        "name": "Main Bracket",
        "material": "Aluminum 6061-T6",
        "function": "Motor mounting",
        "features": ["M6 holes", "fillet radii"]
      }
    ],
    "materials_mentioned": ["Aluminum 6061-T6", "Steel"]
  },
  
  "optimization_hints": {
    "objectives": [
      {"name": "mass", "direction": "minimize", "source": "Mentioned 'lightweight' in transcript"},
      {"name": "stiffness", "direction": "maximize", "source": "Mentioned 'stiff' in transcript"}
    ],
    "constraints": [
      {"type": "envelope", "value": "200mm", "raw_match": "must fit in (\\d+)"},
      {"type": "minimum", "value": "100 Hz", "raw_match": "greater than (\\d+)"}
    ],
    "parameters": ["thickness", "fillet_radius", "rib_count"]
  },
  
  "fea_hints": {
    "critical_regions": [
      {"feature": "fillet", "concern": "stress_concentration"},
      {"feature": "interface", "concern": "contact_analysis"}
    ],
    "study_suggestions": [
      "Modal analysis recommended - frequency/vibration mentioned",
      "Topology optimization could reduce mass while maintaining performance"
    ]
  },
  
  "transcript_summary": "This assembly provides structural support for a NEMA 23 motor..."
}

Using with Atomizer

1. Generate Hints

cad-doc walkthrough.mp4 --atomizer-hints

2. Load in Atomizer

# In Atomizer study setup
from atomizer import Study
import json

with open("walkthrough_docs/atomizer_hints.json") as f:
    hints = json.load(f)

study = Study.from_hints(hints)

# Hints pre-populate:
# - Objective functions
# - Constraints
# - Suggested parameters
# - Critical regions for mesh refinement

3. Review and Refine

The hints are suggestions, not final configurations:

• Verify objectives match your actual goals
• Add specific constraint values
• Map parameters to CAD model variables
• Adjust mesh refinement regions

Best Practices

During Recording

1. State objectives clearly

   • "The goal is to minimize weight while maintaining stiffness"
   • "We need to keep the first natural frequency above 100 Hz"

2. Quantify constraints

   • "Maximum envelope is 200mm by 150mm by 100mm"
   • "Weight budget is 500 grams"
   • "Stress must stay below 150 MPa"

3. Point out critical features

   • "This fillet is critical for stress concentration"
   • "The bearing surface here sees high contact stress"

4. Mention what could be optimized

   • "The wall thickness could potentially be reduced"
   • "These rib dimensions are candidates for optimization"

After Generation

1. Review atomizer_hints.json for accuracy
2. Add missing numerical values
3. Map parameters to your CAD model
4. Use critical regions to guide mesh refinement
5. Run initial FEA to validate hints

Example Workflow

1. Record walkthrough explaining bracket design
2. Run CAD-Documenter with --atomizer-hints
3. Review hints in generated JSON
4. Import into Atomizer for optimization study
5. Iterate based on FEA results

Limitations

• Hints are extracted from verbal/visual cues only
• Numerical values may need refinement
• Complex multi-objective problems need manual setup
• Material properties should be verified against database