AI CAD Mesh Generation for Existing Structure FEA
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Solution Overview
Problem
Performing finite element analysis on existing structures is difficult due to the lack of available CAD models and the complexity of connecting components, requiring significant user expertise and time to create models and ensure proper element connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing artificial intelligence to generate computer mesh files from photographs of existing systems, enabling CAD operators to perform finite element analysis without prior experience, by training AI image generators with reference images and discriminators to create meshes suitable for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional FEA software with three-noded plate elements and six-noded wedge elements is used, then analysis capability is provided, but the system becomes extremely difficult to use and requires considerable user expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs mesh generation, component identification, and connectivity establishment without requiring user intervention. The AI-based engine autonomously processes photographs, generates 3D models, creates finite element meshes, and connects components, eliminating the need for user expertise in these complex tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (user-driven mesh generation and component connectivity setup) with an automated AI-based computational system. This substitution transforms the complex manual process into an automated workflow that requires minimal user input while maintaining high analysis capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual model creation and component connectivity setup is performed, then proper element connectivity is achieved, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated actions including photograph processing, 3D model generation, mesh creation, and component connectivity establishment before the actual FEA analysis. This preliminary automated preparation eliminates the time-consuming manual model creation process while ensuring proper connectivity through AI-based automatic component identification and linking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an AI-based intermediate processing layer that automatically transforms photographs into 3D models and finite element meshes. This intermediary system handles the complex model creation and connectivity tasks, acting as a mediator between the input photographs and the final FEA analysis, thereby reducing both time and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If FEA is performed on pre-existing structures without available CAD models, then analysis of existing structures is enabled, but the difficulty increases due to lack of accurate models
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates accurate digital copies (3D models) of pre-existing structures directly from photographs. This copying process generates virtual representations of physical structures that can be used for FEA analysis, enabling the analysis of existing structures without requiring original CAD models or physical access to the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of starting with CAD models and performing FEA, the patent inverts the workflow by starting with photographs of existing structures, automatically generating 3D models and meshes, and then performing analysis. This inversion enables analysis of pre-existing structures without requiring prior CAD modeling, thereby reducing complexity for this specific application.
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative embodiments operate in a computer-aided design environment to facilitate finite element analysis of a previously-constructed multi-component structure. Some illustrative embodiments employ artificial intelligence to assess images of the previously-constructed multi-component structure to produce a mesh suitable for finite element analysis of the previously-constructed multi-component structure. Some illustrative embodiments employ artificial intelligence to assess images of a previously-constructed multi-component structure to produce a CAD drawing of the previously-constructed structure.