CAD Gap Detection Using Delaunay Tetrahedralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to detecting and correcting gaps in CAD-generated geometries for fluid flow simulations are largely manual, inefficient, and fail to provide precise gap descriptions, relying on rough estimations and user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a Delaunay three-dimensional mesh to identify and classify gaps between CAD solids, determining their significance based on length and angular criteria, and filling significant gaps with a fill shape to create a corrected CAD drawing suitable for fluid flow simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual gap detection and correction methods are used, then users can identify gaps in CAD geometries, but the process is tedious and inefficient requiring significant user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and corrects gaps in CAD geometries without requiring user intervention. The gap filling algorithm autonomously identifies gap regions, generates fill shapes, and updates the CAD model, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user operations for each gap correction task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (user drawing lines, joining contours) with an automated computational algorithm. The system uses computer-based geometric processing to detect gaps and generate fill shapes, substituting the mechanical user actions with an automated software system that performs the same function more efficiently.
2Measurement precision
If octree-based interference detection codes are used, then gap locations can be estimated, but the description of gaps is not meaningful and lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters used to describe gaps from rough spatial estimates to precise geometric measurements. By calculating actual gap dimensions, volumes, and spatial relationships between surfaces, the system transforms the gap description from qualitative to quantitative, providing meaningful and precise gap characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational process between gap detection and gap correction. This intermediary step involves calculating precise gap metrics and generating intermediate geometric representations that bridge the gap between simple detection and accurate characterization, enabling meaningful gap descriptions.
3Reliability
If manual gap filling is performed by drawing lines and joining contours, then gaps can be filled, but the process depends on how well boundary edges describe the contour and requires user skill
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates fill shapes and performs gap filling without requiring user operations. The algorithm self-determines the appropriate fill geometry based on the detected gap characteristics and automatically updates the CAD model, eliminating the need for users to manually draw lines or join contours.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the gap region to determine the optimal fill shape and geometry before executing the fill operation. By pre-calculating the fill parameters and verifying the solution, the system ensures reliable gap filling without requiring user skill or judgment during the actual filling process.
Data Source
AI summary
A methods and computer systems can automatically identify and fill gaps in a computer aided design. One method includes identifying a first set of points on a first solid in a CAD design. The method includes identifying a second set of points on the second solid in the CAD design. The method also includes determining a volume of the gap between the first solid and the second solid based on a Delaunay tetrahedralization of the first set of points and the second set of points.