3D Surface Pattern Generation for Curved CAD Part Features
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD tools struggle with designing complex 3D patterns that conform to curved surfaces, requiring manual effort and multiple steps, limiting aesthetic and functional design possibilities.
Innovation Solution
A computer-aided design program that allows users to select a pattern type, 3D feature, and surface, automatically generating varied copies of the feature that conform to the surface, with adjustable aspects like size, orientation, and offset, and can regenerate patterns in response to surface changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual patterning tools are used for 3D design, then design flexibility is maintained, but design time increases significantly and complex 3D patterns are difficult to create
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical patterning operations with an automated computer-implemented system. The system automatically generates 3D patterns by projecting 2D patterns onto 3D surfaces and creating varied copies of features along pattern paths, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual modeling while enabling complex pattern designs that would be impractical to create manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates varied copies of 3D features along pattern paths on surfaces. The system generates multiple instances of features (such as holes, protrusions, or other geometric elements) by copying a template feature and varying its parameters (position, orientation, size) according to the pattern definition, enabling rapid creation of complex repetitive patterns.
2Productivity
If simple 2D patterns are used instead of complex 3D patterns, then design time is reduced, but aesthetic and functional quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D pattern definition to 3D pattern realization by projecting patterns onto 3D surfaces and creating features with three-dimensional characteristics. The system takes a 2D pattern as input and automatically generates corresponding 3D features that conform to the surface geometry, enabling complex aesthetic patterns to be created efficiently in three dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables different regions of a pattern to have different local characteristics by allowing variation in feature parameters along the pattern path. The system can modify properties such as feature size, orientation, and depth at different locations on the surface, enabling aesthetically pleasing gradients and transitions that would be difficult to achieve with uniform simple patterns.
3Ease of operation
If manual patterning methods are used, then control over each pattern element is maintained, but the ease of operation decreases due to multiple manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manual patterning operations into a single automated process. The system integrates pattern definition, surface projection, feature generation, and parameter variation into one computer-implemented workflow, eliminating the need for multiple separate manual modeling steps while maintaining full control over pattern characteristics through programmable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the patterning system to automatically adjust and optimize pattern generation based on the defined parameters and surface geometry. Once the pattern parameters are set, the system self-executes the entire patterning process without requiring manual intervention at each step, while still allowing users to modify parameters as needed for different design requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for computer aided design and manufacture of a part by three-dimensional surface pattern generation, include: receiving input identifying (i) a pattern type, (ii) a three-dimensional feature to be used to modify a three-dimensional part, and (iii) a surface of the three-dimensional part being designed; generating varied copies of the three-dimensional feature in a three-dimensional space in which the three-dimensional part is defined, wherein an aspect of the three-dimensional feature varies for at least two of the varied copies of the three-dimensional feature in accordance with a function that is applied for the pattern type, and at least a portion of a range of the function is mapped to the three-dimensional space in accordance with the surface; and rendering a visualization of the varied copies of the three-dimensional feature to a display device presenting a user interface.