3D Assembly Wire Routing for Collision-Free Pathfinding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer-assisted design and manufacturing tools struggle to efficiently route wires through assemblies with electro-mechanical components, often requiring manual adjustments to avoid collisions and optimize wire length.
Innovation Solution
The system converts a 3D model of the assembly into a volume model distinguishing between occupied and available space, then uses pathfinding algorithms to determine an efficient wire route from one termination location to another while avoiding collisions with assembly components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic routing capabilities are used, then routing efficiency is improved, but collision avoidance with assembly components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual wire model as an intermediary that represents the wire's physical constraints (diameter, flexibility) and interacts with the pathfinding algorithm. This intermediary enables the automatic routing system to understand and avoid collisions with assembly components while maintaining routing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical routing adjustment with an automated computational pathfinding system. The system uses algorithms to automatically calculate optimal wire paths that avoid collisions, substituting the mechanical trial-and-error process with intelligent computation.
2Ease of operation
If pre-defined paths are used, then routing simplicity is improved, but path optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static pre-defined paths into dynamic adaptive paths. The pathfinding algorithm dynamically adjusts wire routes based on real-time analysis of assembly geometry and constraints, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while optimizing wire length by selecting the shortest valid path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of wire routing from fixed pre-defined values to dynamically calculated optimal values. The system adjusts path parameters (coordinates, length, orientation) based on assembly characteristics, enabling both simplicity and optimization.
3Reliability
If manual modification is used, then collision avoidance is improved, but time consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the routing system to automatically detect and resolve collision issues without manual intervention. The pathfinding algorithm autonomously analyzes assembly geometry and generates collision-free wire paths, making the system self-sufficient in avoiding routing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing collision detection and path optimization before final wire routing is executed. The system pre-calculates optimal paths that avoid collisions, preventing errors before they occur rather than requiring post-hoc manual corrections.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4A~5C
AI summary
An efficient wire route is determined through an assembly avoiding collisions with a plurality of electrical-mechanical assembly components. A first wire route termination location and a second wire route termination location in a received three dimensional (3D) model of the assembly. The received 3D model is converted into a volume model distinguishing between occupied and available space. A wire route is found from the first wire route termination location through the assembly available space to the second wire route termination location, and an image of the wire route in the model of the assembly is displayed.