TOP-DOWN MODEL

Develop complex products fast with top-down modeling

Effectively model complex products in CAD software using a top-down modeling strategy. The top-down modeling approach saves time and money when building complex systems that require global parametric control.

Image courtesy of Dynamic Attractions

Rendering of a front loader with overlay showing different subassemblies
A top-down model begins with the design intent for a product's overall assembly. Image dataset courtesy of Engineering Center LTD, Russia.

What is a top-down model?

A top-down model is a CAD approach that starts with global assembly parameters and subsystems represented by placeholders. In top-down modeling, designers and engineers begin with a model that conveys the design intent for the overall assembly and defines the general relationships between subsystems in a complex product, like an appliance or other machine. Then individual designers or teams working on specific subsystems begin adding in their detail.

Different assembly modeling methods

Product designers and engineers use several modeling methods: bottom-up modeling, top-down modeling, horizontal or middle-out modeling, and hybrid approaches that mix these methods.

Bottom-up modeling

With bottom-up modeling, designers start by working on individual part models, eventually combining them into a separate assembly model. The part models contain the geometry needed for manufacturing. The assembly model has the information on how parts relate to each other and can generate a bill of materials (BOM). With this traditional approach, design changes must be made individually to each interrelated part, which can be a more error-prone method. The bottom-up method is most common with teams working on a design for a product with many standardized relationships between components, such as a bicycle.

Top-down modeling

The top-down modeling approach can produce great results when designing complex or bespoke systems that need to be changed globally. Consumer electronics, for example, fit subcomponents inside an enclosure usually designed for aesthetic appeal. If the enclosure shape changes, the subcomponents must also change along with it. In such a case, top-down modeling’s global parameter control advances the project with less risk of errors and rework when the design changes.

Horizontal (middle-out) modeling

Perhaps most common is a hybrid approach utilizing standard components like nuts and bolts, library components that a company uses across multiple products, and custom components specific to a product. Designers can control the custom components from the top down without changing the standard or library components.

Hybrid modeling approach

Perhaps most common is a hybrid approach utilizing standard components like nuts and bolts, library components that a company uses across multiple products, and custom components specific to a product. Designers can control the custom components from the top down without changing the standard or library components.

Autodesk Inventor screen showing design and assembly for a trencher machine
CAD software that provides global parametric controls can facilitate top-down modeling in product design. Image courtesy of Mastenbroek.

Top-down modeling in product design

Several top-down modeling approaches include multi-body modeling, parameter linking, and skeletal modeling, in which a “skeleton” sketch conveys design intent, and designers model the individual components around that overall final assembly—potentially within a single CAD file. The top-down modeling method particularly suits complex products such as automobiles and other vehicles, electronics, appliances, and machines. It also works well for larger teams, where subgroups or individuals work separately on the main assembly, subassembly, or individual components.

CAD software supporting top-down modeling reduces the risk of errors such as mismatching parts that can be the result of the traditional bottom-up approach. Autodesk Fusion uses a single design model that easily allows global parameter changes that update the entire design. Autodesk Inventor supports top-down modeling across its distributed file system using its iLogic rule engine to provide global parametric controls. Both cases make rapid design iterations and changes based on, for example, testing from software simulation much easier than using the disconnected bottom-up approach.

Fusion, Inventor, and other software also accommodate hybrid approaches that combine elements of bottom-up, middle-out, and top-down modeling. In such a case, design and engineering teams may elect to use top-down modeling for their subassemblies, and bottom-up modeling to put together the subassemblies. There’s no single approach that will suit every product. Rather, each project’s needs should dictate the approach that teams take.

Benefits of top-down modeling

While top-down modeling has the overhead of up-front planning and continued coordination between teams, it is the best approach for designing complex or bespoke systems.

Rapid iteration and prototyping

With CAD software that supports a top-down modeling approach, changing the main assembly can automatically update the individual components, making it easy to manage iterations and ensure that the associated parts align properly with the overall assembly.

Consistency of design

When using a top-down model, all components are designed in relation to each other and to the main assembly within a single file. That makes it easier to edit the entire design and keep it consistent.

Save resources from reduced errors

If using bottom-up modeling, even small changes to the main assembly or components parts can require corresponding changes to most or all of the design’s components. This can lead to errors, particularly when a team of designers are all working on the same model. Top-down modeling reduces errors and the subsequent rework.

Autodesk software for top-down modeling

Autodesk Fusion

Cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software for product design

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Inventor

Professional-grade product design and engineering tools for 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization, and documentation.

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Top-down modeling resources

Learn more about the differences between top-down modeling and bottom-up modeling, as well as how Fusion software enables designers to pursue a hybrid approach that takes advantage of both methods.

In this Fusion lesson, you’ll use the top-down design method to create components and add as-built joints to components.

Create assemblies from components in Autodesk Inventor using bottom-up, middle-out, and top-down modeling methods. Learn all about them here, and you’ll be more comfortable with the common practice of mixing these techniques to match the design intent of a project.

Sharpen your Fusion CAD skills with this two-hour project module, in which you’ll design a customizable assembly using a top-down model.

Learn important basics of CAD design in Fusion software, such as using different methods to create the same geometry and a summary of bottom-up vs. top-down modeling.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on top-down models

What is the difference between top-down and bottom-up modeling?

The difference between top-down and bottom-up modeling in CAD software for product design is in the approach to how assemblies and components are designed and assembled.

 

Top-down modeling begins with global parameters, shared datums, and simplified representations of the main subcomponents. Then detail is added to the subcomponents until the design is complete. Top-down modeling is common when the final form requires many bespoke components that will be required to move and change if the final form changes, like in automotive design.

 

With bottom-up modeling, components are modeled separately and then combined into the final assembly. This is a great option when the relationships between components are standardized and well known.

What are the advantages of a top-down model over other methods?

The advantages of top-down modeling include being better for maintaining the original design intent and ensuring that components fit together precisely. Because parts are designed in relation to each other, this method is good for design consistency and avoiding errors that would require rework.

 

Changes to the main assembly in top-down modeling can also propagate out to the individual parts when using the right functionality, making it easier to update the design.

What is an example of the top-down design method?

Automotive design is often an example of the top down design method. The design begins with a concept for the outer shape and overall function of a car. Its silhouette is determined by factors like drag coefficient and unique styling. That outer form then dictates how certain interior components—such as the seats, dashboard, trunk, and so on—are designed to fit within the car.

 

Different automotive engineering teams work in parallel on separate components and systems for the car, all in service of the overall concept and design. If other internal systems are not unique to the car, such as the engine and drivetrain, then the design would be more of a hybrid modeling approach.

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