CAD Model Security via Segmented Geometry Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing (3D printing) faces security challenges due to the vulnerability of digital models in the supply chain, as unauthorized actors can produce high-quality counterfeit products by accessing compromised CAD models, and existing cybersecurity measures are insufficient to prevent counterfeiting and sabotage.
Innovation Solution
Embedding security elements into CAD models by controlling fault tolerances, using geometric features like spline splitting and surface geometry schemas, and specifying resolution and printing conditions to ensure that only authorized prints produce high-quality parts, while unauthorized prints result in defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If digital models are made accessible in the supply chain for additive manufacturing, then productivity and ease of manufacture are improved, but security vulnerability increases allowing unauthorized counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The digital model is segmented into multiple distinct solids by digitally splitting the first solid into at least two parts. These segmented parts are then converted to a digital surface geometry schema, creating a multi-component structure that functions as a unified whole only when printed with authorized resolution parameters, thereby preventing unauthorized counterfeiting while maintaining supply chain accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by converting the segmented 3D model to a digital surface geometry schema at a specific first resolution. The splitting and surface conversion parameters are selected based on anticipated printer types, slice thickness, and other printing conditions. Unauthorized attempts to print at different resolutions result in defective parts, thus securing the manufacturing process while maintaining productivity
2Reliability
If security elements are embedded in CAD models to prevent counterfeiting, then security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security mechanism uses segmentation by splitting the first solid into multiple distinct solids and converting them to a digital surface geometry schema. This segmentation creates inherent security because the parts must be assembled or printed together at specific resolutions to function correctly, adding security without requiring complex external verification systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds security elements within the digital model structure itself by nesting the segmented solids and surface geometry schemas within the overall 3D model. The security features are integrated into the model's geometric structure rather than being separate additions, thus improving security while minimizing increases in manufacturing complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If high resolution is used for digital surface geometry schema to maintain quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but file size and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by converting only the segmented surface geometry of the distinct solids to the digital surface geometry schema at high resolution, rather than converting the entire model uniformly. This selective conversion maintains manufacturing precision for critical surfaces while reducing overall processing time and file size compared to full-model high-resolution conversion
Data Source
AI summary
A method for securing a computer-aided design (CAD)-based shape to prevent shape counterfeiting by unauthorized three-dimensional (3D) printing includes creating and embedding a security element in the CAD-based shape itself. In some embodiments, the method includes splitting (slicing) a first solid of a three-dimensional 3D model into at least two parts, such that the 3D model comprises at least two distinct solids. The shape of the distinct solid(s) may be specified by a plurality of curved surfaces, which are defined by performing a finite element analysis on the CAD-based shape to determine an optimal shape for each curved surface. The method further includes converting the 3D model to a digital surface geometry schema according to a first resolution. The digital surface geometry schema describes the surface geometry of the at least two distinct solids. The first resolution is part of the security controls of the CAD-based shape. The first resolution may be selected based on a shape of the split of the first solid, a location of the split of the first solid, a 3D printer type, an anticipated horizontal print direction, an anticipated vertical print direction, an anticipated slicer software scheme, an anticipated slice thickness, and/or an anticipated slice location.