CAD Rounding Automation via Geometric Zone Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems face inefficiencies in the rounding and filleting process, particularly when dealing with complex models, as they require manual sequencing of steps and can fail due to constraints on valid closed geometry, leading to increased complexity and time consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies related faces based on geometrical criteria, computes tessellated representations, determines intersections, and computes new faces to automate the rounding and filleting process, allowing for global and progressive zone determination, thereby reducing failures and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual filleting and rounding is performed one-by-one, then the model can be modified with rounds and fillets, but the process becomes very complicated and time-consuming when the number of elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filleting and rounding process into distinct operational zones (fillet zones, round zones, and mixed zones) that can be automatically identified and processed. By dividing the complex model into manageable zones based on geometric criteria, the system can apply appropriate operations to each zone simultaneously rather than manually one-by-one, dramatically reducing design time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from manual sequential parameter adjustment to automated parameter-based zone identification. By defining geometric parameters and criteria for identifying fillet and round zones, the system automatically determines which areas require which operations, eliminating the time-consuming manual sequencing while preserving modeling precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual filleting and rounding is performed one-by-one, then the model can be modified, but the user must respect a certain order of steps which may vary according to the modeled object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the model into distinct operational zones (fillet zones, round zones, and mixed zones) that can be independently identified and processed. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex sequential ordering by allowing the system to handle each zone type according to its own geometric criteria, reducing process complexity while maintaining modeling accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying fillet and round zones based on geometric criteria without requiring manual intervention to determine the order of operations. The algorithm autonomously analyzes the model geometry, identifies appropriate zones, and applies operations in an optimized sequence, eliminating the burden of manual process management while preserving accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional filleting process is used, then the model can be modified, but the constraint of valid closed geometry between each operation often leads to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-identifying all fillet and round zones based on geometric criteria before any modifications are made. By determining the complete set of zones and their relationships in advance, the system can plan the entire operation sequence to maintain valid closed geometry throughout, preventing failures that occur when geometry validity is checked only after each individual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by continuously monitoring geometry validity during the automated zone identification and operation planning process. The algorithm adjusts its zone identification and operation sequencing based on feedback about geometric constraints, ensuring that closed geometry validity is maintained throughout the process, thereby improving reliability while preserving precision.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual filleting and rounding is performed, then the model can be modified, but a huge amount of time is spent to determine the sequence of creation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the manual sequential process into an automated parameter-based system. By defining geometric parameters and criteria for zone identification, the system automatically determines fillet and round zones and their creation sequences based on these parameters, eliminating the need for manual sequence determination while maintaining modeling precision through systematic geometric analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for computer-aided design of a modeled object having several faces, comprising a steps of identifying, for each of said faces of the object, at least another of said faces related to said face according to geometrical criteria, and marking such faces as connected; computing a plurality of points forming a tessellated representation of each of said faces; based on this tessellation, defining critical regions by determining and storing data representative of intersection between a three-dimensional geometrical figure and the face related to said face; determining whether intersections occur for each point of the tessellated representation of a face and for each face of the object; computing frontiers between points according to their respectively stored data and determines zones according to the determined frontiers; and, re-computing surfaces according to the determined zones.