3D Cutting Data with Holding Assembly for Material-Accurate Prototypes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fabricating prototypes do not allow for the use of materials intended for the final product, limiting the evaluation of prototypes made from materials similar to the final product.

Innovation Solution

A data generation program and device that specify fabrication and holding methods for cutting devices to produce three-dimensional objects, including a holding assembly, allowing for the use of materials similar to the final product.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a stereolithography device is used to fabricate prototypes by selectively curing photocurable resin, then prototypes can be rapidly produced without molds, but the prototypes cannot be fabricated using materials intended for the final product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprototype production speedVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the prototype fabrication process into two distinct methods: stereolithography for rapid resin prototypes and cutting device for material-accurate prototypes. This allows users to select the appropriate method based on whether speed or material fidelity is the priority, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides multiple fabrication methods through a single integrated approach, where the computer executes different programs depending on the desired outcome. This multi-functionality allows the same system to produce both rapid resin prototypes and material-accurate prototypes, satisfying both productivity and adaptability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If prototypes are fabricated using resin materials, then rapid production without molds is achieved, but the ability to evaluate prototypes made from final product materials is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to produce prototypeVSAvoidevaluation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments evaluation purposes into two categories: functional/shape evaluation using rapid resin prototypes, and material property evaluation using prototypes fabricated from final product materials. This segmentation allows each evaluation type to use the most appropriate fabrication method, resolving the contradiction between speed and evaluation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the material parameter based on evaluation needs. For rapid evaluation, resin material is used; for material property evaluation, the actual final product material is used. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different evaluation requirements, resolving the contradiction between time loss and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4717443A1Data generation program and data generation device
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP4717443A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4717443A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4717443A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A data generation program and data generation device capable of generating data for fabricating three-dimensional products according to a method appropriate for the intended use are provided. The data generation device obtains three-dimensional data representing a shape of a three-dimensional product (S 1). The data generation device specifies one or more of fabrication methods and one of holding methods (S21). Each of the fabrication methods is a method according to which the three-dimensional product is fabricated with a cutting device configured to perform cutting. Each of the holding methods is a method according to which the three-dimensional product is held in a frame that covers an outside of the three-dimensional product in a first direction. The data generation device generates cutting data based on the three-dimensional data. The cutting data is for fabricating a three-dimensional object with the cutting device. The three-dimensional object includes the three-dimensional product and a holding assembly. A shape of the holding assembly is defined based on the specified one or more of fabrication methods and the specified one of holding methods.