Bevel Feature Recognition in Sheet Metal Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing processes face challenges in automatically recognizing and extracting bevel features from 3D models, which are essential for manufacturing, costing, and manufacturability analysis, as existing CAD systems do not provide sufficient feature information for downstream applications, leading to manual reinterpretation and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that recognizes various bevel features from 3D sheet metal or solid models by using a bevel feature recognition module to identify types like straight cuts, V-bevels, and vertex bevels, and generates bevel profiles for manufacturing tool paths, improving automation and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual interpretation of 3D model data is used to extract bevel features, then accuracy of feature information is improved, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service by implementing algorithms that autonomously analyze 3D model data, identify bevel features, and extract relevant parameters without human intervention. The processor automatically traverses the boundary representation data structure, detects bevel geometries, and generates feature information, replacing manual interpretation while maintaining accuracy and significantly improving productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If 3D models are imported from other CAD systems, then design flexibility is improved, but feature information is lost as models load as imported solids without feature trees
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-processing imported 3D model data immediately upon import. The algorithm traverses the boundary representation data structure before the model is used in downstream applications, proactively identifying and extracting bevel features. This preliminary feature extraction ensures that feature information is preserved and made available for manufacturing, costing, and analysis before any potential data loss occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between imported 3D models and downstream applications. The feature recognition module serves as a mediator that translates geometry-only imported solids into enriched models with extracted feature information. This intermediary process recovers feature data that would otherwise be lost during import, enabling seamless integration with manufacturing and analysis tools.
3Ease of operation
If feature-based design systems are used to create 3D models, then design capability is improved, but downstream application utility is reduced because design feature information is not useful for manufacturing and costing
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies parameter changes by transforming design feature parameters into manufacturing-relevant parameters. The algorithm analyzes the geometric and topological parameters of design features and reinterprets them in the context of manufacturing processes. This parameter transformation converts design-centric feature data into manufacturing-centric feature data, making the information useful for costing, tool path generation, and process planning while preserving the original design capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods to automatically recognize bevel features and bevel chains in inner bounding loops and outer bounding loops of walls and bends in sheet metal models or on solid models are disclosed, which may be used for computer aided design, manufacturing, DFX, costing, etc. Recognition methods of various types of bevels and classification of bevels as V-bevel, inverted V-bevel, Y-bevel, inverted Y-bevel, X-bevel, K-bevel, generic bevels and different types of vertex bevels are disclosed. Bevel chain recognition methods that assemble the same type of bevels into bevel chains and identify the bevel chains as tangential bevel chains, non-tangential bevel chains and mixed bevel chains based on the connectivity between the bevels are disclosed. Methods to generate bevel profiles that may be used for feature recreation, feature suppression, or tool path generation for cutting features for manufacturing are disclosed.