3D Object Division for Tree Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for outputting three-dimensional objects with tree structures, such as blood vessels and bronchi, from three-dimensional printers often result in excessive division pieces that exceed the printer's output range, leading to increased assembly complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional object division output apparatus that extracts tree structures from volume data, determines a specific end point, searches for a division position along the object's path where the downstream structure size transitions from within to exceeding the printer's output range, and divides the object at that point to create pieces within the printer's range, minimizing the number of output pieces and assembly positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an object with tree structure is divided into parts corresponding to rectangular parallelepiped output range, then the object can be output from small-scale three-dimensional printer, but the number of assembly positions increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tree-structured object into multiple sub-objects based on the printer's output range constraints. The division unit systematically segments the object along its tree structure, ensuring each sub-object fits within the printer's build volume while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing fragmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the division process by organizing sub-objects into parent-child relationships that reflect the original tree structure. This dimensional approach allows the system to manage complexity by working at multiple levels: the overall object level and the sub-object level, reducing the apparent number of assembly positions through hierarchical organization.
2Device complexity
If the object is divided at interlobar surface to reduce assembly positions, then fewer joins are needed, but the size of divided part may exceed printer output range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of division positions based on real-time evaluation of sub-object sizes against printer constraints. The division position search unit dynamically identifies optimal cut locations along the tree structure, adjusting division points to ensure no sub-object exceeds the printer's output range while still minimizing the total number of assembly positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the division unit continuously evaluates whether proposed sub-objects fit within printer constraints. If a divided part exceeds the output range, the system feedbacks to adjust the division position, creating an iterative optimization process that balances minimizing assembly positions with adhering to printer size limitations.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple division method is used for tree-structured objects, then division process is simple, but end portions of edges are separated into small portions increasing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the tree-structured object to identify its hierarchical structure, endpoints, and potential division points before actual division occurs. The extraction unit and division position search unit perform preliminary analysis to map out the object's topology, enabling the division unit to make informed decisions that prevent excessive fragmentation while maintaining structural coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters related to division strategy by adapting division criteria based on the specific characteristics of the tree structure being processed. Instead of using fixed division rules, the system adjusts division parameters such as cut depth, orientation, and location based on the object's geometry and the printer's constraints, optimizing the balance between division simplicity and assembly complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A division position search unit searches for a division position on an edge present on a path from a second end point, which is one of plural end points of a tree structure of a three-dimensional object other than a first end point, toward the first end point, and at the division position, the size of a downstream tree structure spreading from the division position toward a direction opposite to the first end point changing from a size within an output range of a three-dimensional object creation apparatus to a size exceeding the output range. Then, a division unit divides, at the division position, the three-dimensional object into a division object the size of which is within the output range and a remaining object. An output unit outputs the division object to the three-dimensional object creation apparatus.