3D Model Slicing Engine for Rapid Fabrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD/CAM systems require third-party manufacturers for complex 3D model production, increasing costs and production time, which is undesirable for quick-to-market designs.
Innovation Solution
A method for slicing 3D models into manageable polygonal parts that can be connected and printed on fabrication material, using a slicing engine with modules for generating slices, identifying connection points, and optimizing layout for efficient material use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a third-party manufacturer is involved to build the physical representation, then the manufacturing quality and capability are improved, but the production cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 3D model into multiple 2D slices that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows the manufacturing process to be distributed and parallelized, reducing both time and cost while maintaining quality through precise connection point identification between slices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the 3D model by generating the sliced blueprint with connection point information before manufacturing. This preliminary action includes identifying and marking connection points on each slice, so that when slices are manufactured and assembled, the connection process is simplified and rapid, reducing overall production time
2Manufacturing precision
If a third-party manufacturer is involved to build the physical representation, then the manufacturing capability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the 3D model into 2D slices, the patent enables manufacturers to use simpler, less expensive 2D manufacturing processes rather than requiring complex 3D manufacturing capabilities. This reduces production cost while maintaining the ability to reconstruct the full 3D object through assembly of the sliced components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a detailed digital blueprint copy of the 3D model that includes all necessary manufacturing information (slices, connection points, assembly instructions). This comprehensive digital copy enables manufacturers to produce accurate physical representations without needing expensive proprietary software or specialized expertise, reducing manufacturing cost
3Loss of information
If the 3D model is processed to create a detailed blueprint, then the manufacturing information is improved, but the complexity of the processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential manufacturing information needed from the 3D model, specifically generating 2D slices with marked connection points. Rather than processing and retaining all detailed 3D geometric information, the system extracts and outputs only the critical elements required for manufacturing and assembly, reducing system complexity while preserving necessary manufacturing information
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.