Flowable Probes for 3D Model Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques for generating three-dimensional models of objects, especially those with undercuts or cavities, are inefficient and struggle with high accuracy due to the need for sequential surface contact and limitations with metal parts and specular reflections.

Innovation Solution

A high-speed contact-type system using multiple flowable probes that surround and contact the object, with a localization circuit to identify probe locations, allowing for comprehensive surface mapping, including cavities and undercuts, and utilizing radio signals for probe localization and energy scavenging to eliminate the need for batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional optical scanning or sequential probe methods are used, then the system can generate 3D models, but the process is slow and cannot effectively scan objects with undercuts or cavities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel generation speedVSAvoidability to scan complex geometries

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the scanning task into multiple independent probe units that operate simultaneously. Each probe independently contacts and measures the object surface, allowing parallel data acquisition from multiple locations, thereby dramatically increasing model generation speed while maintaining ability to scan complex geometries including undercuts and cavities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a fluid (liquid or gas) to carry and position multiple probes around the object. The fluid flow enables probes to naturally reach into undercuts and cavities that would be inaccessible to rigid mechanical arms, while the parallel flow of multiple probes through the fluid medium enables high-speed comprehensive surface mapping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Measurement precision

If a single probe is used for sequential surface contact measurements, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the measurement process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface contact measurement accuracyVSAvoidsequential measurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The single probe is segmented into multiple independent probes that simultaneously contact different regions of the object surface. Each probe maintains precise contact measurement capability independently, and their combined data provides a complete surface map in parallel, eliminating the time loss of sequential measurement while preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple probe measurements are merged into a unified 3D model reconstruction process. The system combines data from all probes simultaneously contacting the surface, integrating multiple precise measurements into a single comprehensive model, thereby achieving both high precision and time efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional scanning methods are used on metal objects with specular reflections, then optical scanning may fail, but contact-type scanning is traditionally slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan reliability on metal surfacesVSAvoidscanning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses fluid-carried probes to contact metal surfaces with specular reflections. The fluid medium allows probes to reliably reach all surfaces including those problematic for optical scanning, while the parallel operation of multiple probes maintains high productivity despite the contact-type measurement approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables high-speed, high-accuracy generation of three-dimensional models by allowing multiple probes to flow into cavities and undercuts, improving surface characterization and handling of difficult-to-scan objects like metal parts with specular reflections.

Implementation Method 1

flowable probes may be spherical beads poured into a container holding the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The flowable probes may flow into cavities and undercuts to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the outer surface of the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 3

Each of the plurality of flowable probes may output a periodic radio signal and the flowable probe localization circuit may provide antennas for receipt of the periodic radio signal to locate the position of the flowable probe from the periodic radio signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio signal propagation: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 4

The flowable probes may scavenge electrical energy from a wireless signal to transmit the periodic radio signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10869175B2System and method for generating a three-dimensional model using flowable probes

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 SCHUMACHER NATHAN

AI summary

Digitization of a 3-D object is provided by surrounding the object with flowable probes whose positions may be accurately determined. By identifying at least those flowable probes adjacent to the outer surface of the object, a locus of points on the outer surface of the object may be determined from which the object shape may be defined in a model.