3D Model Slicing Engine for Independent Fabrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD/CAM systems require third-party manufacturers for complex 3D model production, increasing production costs and time, which is undesirable for quick-to-market designs.
Innovation Solution
A slicing engine processes 3D models into slices, identifies connection points, and generates assembly instructions, allowing users to print and connect slices on fabrication material to build the model without professional assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a third-party manufacturer is involved to build the physical representation, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the production cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing process into two parts: (1) the CAD/CAM system generates a blueprint with embedded assembly instructions, and (2) the designer can independently assemble the physical representation using provided materials. This segmentation allows the designer to perform simple assembly tasks without involving a manufacturer, reducing production time while maintaining sufficient precision for non-critical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the designer to self-service by providing all necessary information (blueprint with assembly instructions, material specifications, connection details) needed to build the physical representation independently. This eliminates the need to outsource to a manufacturer for simple assembly tasks, reducing both time and cost while maintaining acceptable manufacturing quality for prototyping and quick-to-market items.
2Manufacturing precision
If a third-party manufacturer is involved to build the physical representation, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing process into two parts: (1) the CAD/CAM system generates a blueprint with embedded assembly instructions, and (2) the designer can independently assemble the physical representation using provided materials. This segmentation allows the designer to perform simple assembly tasks without involving a manufacturer, reducing production time while maintaining sufficient precision for non-critical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the designer to self-service by providing all necessary information (blueprint with assembly instructions, material specifications, connection details) needed to build the physical representation independently. This eliminates the need to outsource to a manufacturer for simple assembly tasks, reducing both time and cost while maintaining acceptable manufacturing quality for prototyping and quick-to-market items.
3Ease of operation
If the blueprint provides detailed manufacturing instructions, then the ease of manufacture for the designer is improved, but the device complexity of the CAD/CAM system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the CAD/CAM system pre-process the 3D model to generate a blueprint that includes embedded assembly instructions, connection details, and material specifications before the designer begins manufacturing. This preliminary processing automates the creation of detailed instructions, reducing the complexity burden on the designer while maintaining system manageability through automated preprocessing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element: the automated blueprint generation module that acts as a mediator between the 3D model and the designer. This module automatically extracts geometric information, determines assembly sequences, and generates instructions, thereby shielding the designer from system complexity while providing comprehensive manufacturing guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention is a slicing engine that generates two or more slices of a virtual 3D model given a slice plane. The slicing engine then determines connection points on each of the slices that indicate how the 3D model is to be reconnected by the user when the 3D model is fabricated. The slicing engine also determines an optimized layout for the various slices of the 3D model on fabrication material for minimal use of the material. The user is then able to “print” the layout on the fabrication material via 3D printers, and connect the various printed slices according to the connection points to build a physical representation of the 3D model.