3D Object Decomposition into Volume Primitives for CAD Idealization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD software lacks automated and robust methods for idealizing three-dimensional objects, particularly in finite element analysis, due to limitations in construction trees and the inability to efficiently modify geometrical characteristics, leading to difficulties in shape modification and parameterization across different software platforms.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to decompose a three-dimensional object into a set of simple volume primitives and associate it with a construction graph, allowing for the creation of variant objects by modifying parameters, using Boolean operations and extrusion primitives, which enables efficient shape modification and idealization suitable for finite element analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual idealization transformations are used in CAD software, then the construction tree can be maintained, but the process is not automated and not robust, leading to low productivity and high manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional object into a set of simple volume primitives (cubes, cylinders, cones, spheres) and represents the object as a construction graph rather than a single construction tree. This segmentation enables automated decomposition and reconstruction processes, allowing idealization transformations to be applied systematically to each primitive without manual intervention, thereby achieving automation while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a parameterized representation of the object using volume primitives that can be copied and manipulated through the construction graph. By representing the object as a set of parameterized primitives rather than fixed geometric data, the system can automatically generate variant objects by modifying parameters, achieving both automation and efficiency in shape modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single construction tree is used to describe a 3D object, then the object can be modeled in CAD software, but the construction tree is lost when transferring between software platforms and cannot accommodate all construction variants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal parameterized representation of the object using volume primitives that can be interpreted by different software platforms. The construction graph serves as a universal data structure that can be exported and imported between different CAD and simulation software, maintaining all construction variants and geometric information without loss, thereby achieving cross-platform adaptability while preventing information loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If complex shapes are modeled using standard CAD primitives, then the object can be created, but the primitives are not suitable for idealization processes and require complex manual transformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent represents complex shapes as combinations of simple volume primitives with adjustable parameters (size, position, orientation). This parameterization allows the system to automatically generate idealized models by modifying parameters of the primitives rather than performing complex geometric transformations, thereby simplifying the idealization process while maintaining ease of manufacturing through systematic parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-assisted design method for a second three-dimensional object from a first three dimensional object known only by its boundary surfaces, through a surface model of the B-Rep type, of the planar, cylindrical, cone, sphere, or toroid type, excluding free forms in defining the boundary of the object. The first object is broken down into a set of simple volume primitives. The first object is associated with a construction graph defined from these volume primitives and a set of geometric parameters for using these volume primitives in the specific case of that first object. The construction graph enables a compact description of all of the construction alternatives of the object through Boolean combinations of these primitives. The second object is generated as an alternative of the first object according to that construction graph, by modifying some of these parameters.