Automated Enclosure Generation for Legacy Device Retrofitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in retrofitting legacy devices with new features and functionalities due to the complex, multi-step process requiring knowledge in enclosure design, fabrication, circuit design, and programming, which can be tedious and time-consuming, even for those with technical expertise.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for generating an enclosure that computes a surface region based on a target surface model and component instances, generates a front panel and back structure models, and transmits these to a 3D fabrication device, facilitating an automated design process for retrofitting legacy devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a user manually designs and manufactures an enclosure for a legacy device, then the enclosure can be customized to fit specific component instances, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of enclosure designVSAvoidcomplexity of design process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automated enclosure generation where the computer automatically computes the surface region, generates front panel and back structure models, and transmits them to 3D fabrication devices without requiring manual intervention from the user in the complex design steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical design processes with automated computer-based algorithms that compute surface regions, generate 3D models, and coordinate fabrication, substituting human manual operations with automated computational and mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a user manually designs and assembles component instances into a circuit, then the circuit can be customized for specific functionality, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizability of device functionalityVSAvoidtime required for design and assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automated actions by pre-computing the surface region, pre-generating the front panel and back structure models, and pre-coordinating the 3D fabrication process before the user needs the final enclosure, significantly reducing the user's waiting time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system performs the entire enclosure generation process independently without requiring the user to manually perform each design and assembly step, allowing the system to serve itself in completing the customization task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10788811B2Automated techniques for generating enclosures for devices

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 AUTODESK INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, an enclosure generator automatically generates an enclosure for a device based on a three-dimensional (3D) model of a target surface and component instances that are associated with different positions within the device. In operation, the enclosure generator computes a surface region based on the target surface and the component instances. Subsequently, the enclosure generator computes a front panel model and a back structure model based on the surface region. Notably, the back structure model includes support structure geometries. Together, the front panel model and the back structure model comprise an enclosure model. The enclosure generator then stores the enclosure model or transmits the enclosure model to a 3D fabrication device. Advantageously, unlike conventional, primarily manual approaches to enclosure generation, the enclosure generator does not rely on the user possessing any significant technical expertise.