Fabrication Object Design Using Dual-Phase Stress Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for estimating deformation and performance of fabrication objects during manufacturing and use lack accuracy, particularly in considering the deformation or performance exhibited during actual use.

Innovation Solution

An information processing method that estimates deformation during manufacturing and performance during use, using simulation software to determine design information based on stress distributions, and adjusts thickness and density of unit structures to enhance object strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If design data is modified based only on thermal stress analysis results, then manufacturing deformation can be compensated, but the accuracy of design modification is insufficient because use-phase performance is not considered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation compensation accuracyVSAvoiddesign modification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the design modification process into two distinct analysis phases: manufacturing-phase thermal stress analysis and use-phase performance analysis. Each phase independently evaluates stress distributions under different conditions, allowing comprehensive consideration of both manufacturing deformation and use-phase performance requirements for accurate design modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary stress analysis during the design phase by simulating both manufacturing and use conditions before actual fabrication. This preliminary action identifies potential deformation and performance issues early, enabling proactive design optimization rather than reactive corrections after manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If design data is modified to compensate for manufacturing deformation, then manufacturing accuracy improves, but the object may not meet performance requirements during actual use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoiduse-phase performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates manufacturing condition analysis from use condition analysis into distinct evaluation steps. By independently analyzing thermal stress during manufacturing and stress during actual use, the system ensures that design modifications satisfy both manufacturing accuracy requirements and use-phase performance requirements without compromising either.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where use-phase stress analysis results are used to validate and refine design modifications. The simulated use-phase performance provides feedback on whether the manufacturing deformation compensation adequately maintains functional performance, enabling iterative optimization of design data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4617940A1Information processing method, information processing apparatus, carrier means, and object manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 RICOH CO LTD
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  • EP4617940A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4617940A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing method includes estimating (S2) deformation of an object that is likely to occur during manufacturing of the object to obtain a first estimation result, the object including a unit structure, estimating (S3) performance of the object that is likely to be exhibited during use of the object to obtain a second estimation result, and determining (S4) design information of the object based on a first estimation result and a second estimation result.