CAD Wrinkle Quantification via Mesh Normal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems lack a reliable and objective method to quantify and measure material wrinkles in composite fabric parts, relying on subjective judgments that can lead to costly errors and inefficiencies in the design and manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to quantify material wrinkles by defining a mesh representing the final geometry of the fabric composite, determining surface normals and intersection points, and using distance, normal difference angle, and number of intersection points to calculate a wrinkle factor, providing an objective measure of wrinkling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective judgment methods are used to assess material wrinkles, then the assessment process is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human judgment with an automated computational system that uses mesh analysis, surface normal calculations, and intersection point detection to objectively quantify wrinkles. This substitutes the mechanical process of human visual inspection with an algorithmic system that processes CAD model data to generate wrinkle factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mesh representation as an intermediary between the CAD model and the wrinkle assessment. The mesh serves as a computational medium that enables the calculation of surface normals and intersection points, facilitating objective wrinkle measurement without requiring direct human observation.
2Reliability
If physical prototypes are used to verify design, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the loss of time and resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the CAD model as a virtual copy of the physical part to perform wrinkle assessment. By analyzing the digital model with mesh-based algorithms, the system provides reliable wrinkle prediction without requiring physical prototypes, thereby eliminating the time and resources needed for prototype fabrication and testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs wrinkle assessment during the design phase using the CAD model, before physical manufacturing occurs. This preliminary virtual assessment allows designers to identify and correct potential wrinkle issues early in the design process, avoiding the need for time-consuming physical prototyping and iterative modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple quantifiable methods are available for modeling wrinkles, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple quantifiable methods that differ in their mathematical parameters and calculation approaches for modeling wrinkles. These methods allow users to select the most appropriate technique based on specific design requirements, material properties, and wrinkle severity thresholds, providing adaptability while maintaining a structured framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating a quantitative representation of material wrinkles in a computer-aided design (CAD) model, performed by a data processing system includes receiving in a CAD model a definition of a shape of a part and a material to be applied to the part. One or more parameters relating to the material are received and one or more of a plurality of quantifiable methods for modeling wrinkles resulting from the combination of part shape and material properties are selected. An output file is provided in a predetermined format summarizing the quantified result.