Automated Joint Location Generation in Sheet Metal Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining joint locations in sheet or solid metal part assemblies are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly in complex assemblies like automotive vehicles, where thousands of joints are required, often relying on manual identification and additional information augmentation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses CAD data to automatically determine overlap regions and joint locations by analyzing face interactions and user-defined parameters, generating guide curves, and placing joint locations along these curves, represented symbolically or as solid objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual identification methods are used to determine joint locations, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption and inefficiency increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with an automated computer-based system that uses CAD data to automatically determine joint locations. The system identifies overlap regions between component parts and generates joint location information without manual intervention, dramatically improving productivity while reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the CAD model itself to provide joint location information through automated analysis of component part geometries and overlap regions. The computer system self-generates joint location data by processing CAD data, eliminating the need for external manual augmentation and accelerating the determination process.
2Measurement precision
If additional information augmentation is performed manually, then accuracy and completeness of joint location data improve, but device complexity and operational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that simultaneously performs multiple tasks: identifying overlap regions, determining joint locations, generating guide curves, and providing joint location information all within a single automated computer-based platform. This universal system maintains high accuracy while managing complexity through integration rather than separate manual processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses CAD data as an intermediary that bridges the gap between component geometries and joint location requirements. By processing CAD data through automated algorithms, the system achieves precise joint location identification without requiring complex manual augmentation procedures.
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented for joint location determination, then productivity and time efficiency improve, but manufacturing precision and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of overlap regions and generation of joint location information before actual manufacturing or assembly processes. By pre-determining joint locations with high precision using CAD data analysis, the system ensures accurate placement while maintaining high productivity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement and identification processes with automated computer-based analysis of CAD data. This substitution maintains or improves manufacturing precision through consistent algorithmic processing while dramatically increasing productivity and reducing time consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method determines overlap regions by identifying a face on a first component part of an assembly that is less than a specified gap distance from a face on a second component part of the assembly. The method is also for determining if a minimum width of each of one or more the overlap regions exceeds a specified maximum value, and if the minimum width of an overlap region does not exceed the specified maximum value, determining a guide curve along a centerline of the overlap region. If the minimum width of an overlap region exceeds the specified maximum value, the method is further for determining two or more guide curves along an offset of two or more edges of the overlap region. The method also is for determining one or more joint locations along the guide curve or curves based upon one or more parameters.