3D Kinematic Plant Modeling from Time-Based Scan Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Creating realistic and functional three-dimensional models in industrial environments is labor-intensive and often requires extensive knowledge of geometry and materials science, especially when no existing CAD data or models are available.

Innovation Solution

A computer-aided method that uses 3D scanning and image processing to automatically generate a kinematic model of a system by analyzing 3D geometries over time, determining movable and immovable parts, and identifying connecting elements, allowing for the creation of a digital twin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual data entry and CAD tools are used to create 3D models, then the model can be created with high precision and functional understanding, but the process requires significant time and labor effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidmodel creation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses 3D scanning technology to create digital copies of physical plant components and assemblies. The scanning system captures geometric data from the actual plant, generating 3D models that replicate the physical structure without requiring manual measurement and modeling, thus dramatically reducing creation time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physical measurement, manual CAD modeling) with automated optical/scanning systems. The 3D scanning technology automatically captures spatial coordinates and generates models, substituting human-operated mechanical measurement processes with automated technological systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual data entry is used to create 3D models of existing systems without existing CAD data, then the model can be created, but the process becomes extremely labor-intensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel creation easeVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning system creates direct digital copies of existing plant components and assemblies by capturing their geometric features. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reconstruction from scratch, making the modeling process straightforward even for systems without existing CAD data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The 3D scanning system performs self-measurement and self-modeling of the plant components. The scanning apparatus automatically captures data, processes it, and generates 3D models without requiring external manual intervention or specialized geometric knowledge from operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4455804A1Computer-aided method and arrangement for forming a three-dimensional kinematic model of a system, in particular in an industrial environment for forming a digital twin of the system
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4455804A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4455804A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4455804A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3F

AI summary

The invention relates to a computer-aided method and an arrangement for creating a three-dimensional, kinematic model of a plant, particularly in an industrial environment, for creating a digital twin of the plant, in which a) a first module creates and stores a first 3D scan of the plant at a first time point, b) a third module creates and stores at least one second 3D scan of the plant at at least one subsequent second time point depending on the acquisition result, c) a second module captures mobility properties of the plant, d) a fourth module analyzes the first and/or second 3D scans of the plant to produce 3D geometries, particularly according to CAD methods, for each 3D scan.e) Analyzing the 3D scans of the system, depending on at least the time of acquisition, to determine the movable and immovable 3D geometries of the respective scan of the system by the fifth module; f) Determining at least one property of movement for each movable 3D geometry by a sixth module; g) Determining the type of connecting elements, for example, joint type, between movable and immovable 3D geometries by a seventh module; h) Generating a 3D model based on the captured 3D geometries and the determined elements and feeding it to an eighth module as the basis for creating a digital twin.