CAD Edge Rounding via Iterative Subset Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately creating rounded or filleted edges in complex models, leading to time-consuming manual processes and unpredictable geometrical results due to the need for manual sequencing of sharp edges, which can result in varying material usage and machining costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the iterative disconnection of faces and edges into subsets, alternating between convex and concave types, and processing these subsets in a specific sequence to automate the rounding or filleting process, ensuring edges of the same type are processed together to maintain canonicity and symmetry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sequencing of sharp edges is used for rounding or filleting, then flexibility in processing different edge types is maintained, but design time increases significantly and results become unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the sequencing and processing of edges without requiring manual intervention. The computer program product autonomously identifies sharp edges, determines their types (convex/concave), and processes them in the correct sequence, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring designer intervention for each step
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of edge processing from manual sequential operations to automated batch processing based on edge type. By categorizing edges into convex and concave types and processing them in alternating sequences, the system transforms the processing approach while maintaining geometric accuracy and reducing design time
2Ease of operation
If sharp edges are processed one by one in manual sequence, then control over each edge is maintained, but manufacturing precision decreases due to unpredictable geometrical results
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the set of sharp edges into two distinct subsets: convex edges and concave edges. This segmentation allows the system to process each type according to its specific geometric requirements, ensuring that convex edges are rounded appropriately and concave edges are filleted correctly, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of all sharp edges into convex and concave types before processing begins. This preliminary action establishes the correct processing sequence and ensures that edges are handled in the proper order, preventing geometrical errors and ensuring accurate results
3Productivity
If automated processing of all edges is attempted simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases and processing fails due to edge type conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the edge processing task into two separate processing streams: one for convex edges and one for concave edges. This segmentation prevents conflicts between different edge type requirements while maintaining high productivity through automated batch processing of each subset
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by alternating between processing convex edges and concave edges in sequences. This periodic approach allows the automated system to handle different edge types in organized batches, maintaining productivity while managing processing complexity through structured alternation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed method of computer-aided design of edges connecting faces of a modeled object, the method comprising a step of:—determining (S100-S130) a structure of subsets of faces and edges of specified convex or concave type, by iteratively disconnecting (¦S120¦) faces connected by edges of one type from a parent subset, whereby said parent subset is decomposed into child subsets comprising either:—a non-connected face; or—faces connected by edges of the other type, in which case edges of said one type are maintained in said child subset, wherein said one type of edges is further alternated at each iteration of disconnecting; and the method further comprising a step of:—processing (S140) the structure from a given parent subset for rounding or filleting the one or more edges connecting child subsets thereof, according to the type of edge as specified in said given parent subset. More generally, the present invention may further be directed to the design of implementation of two distinct technologies for processing features connecting elements a model, in place of design of edges connecting faces of a modelled object.