3D Geometry Preparation for Non-Manifold Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

3D printers face limitations in printing non-manifold geometry, large models, and resolving small features due to resolution and accuracy constraints, often resulting in smoothed or disconnected parts and unknown surface properties until printing is complete.

Innovation Solution

A method for preparing 3D geometry by identifying and correcting non-manifold edges and vertices, filling holes, splitting large models, and performing resolution-aware thickening and separation enforcement, along with generating a 3D print preview to simulate the printing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If 3D printers print with high resolution, then small features are preserved, but printing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature resolutionVSAvoidprinting process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing geometry preparation, repair, and validation operations before the actual printing process. The system identifies and corrects non-manifold edges, fills holes, and validates mesh integrity in advance, ensuring that small features are preserved without increasing printing process complexity. This pre-processing approach resolves the contradiction by preparing high-resolution geometry upfront rather than during printing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Volume of moving object

If 3D printers print large models, then model size is handled, but printing time and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel sizeVSAvoidprinting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing large models into smaller, manageable sections or layers that can be processed and printed more efficiently. The geometry preparation system segments the model to identify regions requiring specific repairs or validations, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall printing time while still handling large model volumes effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If 3D printers print without pre-processing, then workflow is simplified, but printing quality and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow simplicityVSAvoidprinting quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing automated geometry repair and validation systems that autonomously identify and correct issues in the input model without requiring manual pre-processing intervention. The system automatically repairs non-manifold edges, fills holes, and validates mesh integrity, maintaining workflow simplicity while ensuring high printing quality through intelligent self-correction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If 3D printers use automated geometry repair, then printing reliability improves, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically modifying geometry parameters such as mesh density, surface tolerance, and feature threshold values during automated repair. The system adjusts these parameters dynamically to identify and correct non-manifold edges, fill holes, and validate geometry while maintaining consistent printing reliability. This parameter-based approach manages processing complexity through algorithmic control rather than manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11203157B2Three-dimensional printing preparation
Publication Date: 2021.12.21 AUTODESK INC
  • US11203157B2 patent drawing
  • US11203157B2 patent drawing
  • US11203157B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for preparing geometry for 3D printing. In one embodiment, a 3D printing preparation application receives 3D geometry and repairs non-manifold edges and non-manifold vertices, producing a topological manifold geometry. The 3D printing preparation application then welds coincident edges without coincident faces and fills holes in the geometry. The 3D printing preparation application may further perform resolution-aware thickening of the geometry by estimating distances to a medial axis based on distances to distance field shocks, and advecting the distance field using a velocity field. A similar approach may be used to perform resolution-aware separation enforcement. Alternatively, one component may be globally thickened and subtracted from another for separation enforcement. The 3D printing preparation application may also split large models and add connectors for connecting the split pieces after printing. In addition, the 3D printing preparation application may generate a 3D print preview.