3D Mechanical Model to 2D Layout Conversion for Folded PCBs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional layout tools are unable to interpret three-dimensional mechanical models of printed circuit boards, requiring manual conversion to a planar layout representation for design and manufacturing, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially as products become more complex and non-planar.

Innovation Solution

A computing system and tools that import three-dimensional mechanical models from mechanical design systems, identify bends in the substrate surface, and generate a two-dimensional layout representation based on these bends, enabling the synthesis of a three-dimensional mechanical model into a usable format for electronic design systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional layout tools are used with three-dimensional mechanical models, then the tools cannot interpret the models and manual conversion is required, but this manual process is inefficient and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated conversion capabilityVSAvoiddesign process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system that translates three-dimensional mechanical models into two-dimensional layout representations that conventional layout tools can interpret. This intermediary layer enables automated processing without requiring manual conversion, resolving the contradiction between maintaining compatibility with existing tools and achieving automated workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the dimensional parameters of the mechanical model by converting from three-dimensional coordinates to two-dimensional layout coordinates. This parameter transformation allows the data to be processed by conventional two-dimensional layout tools while maintaining the geometric integrity of the original three-dimensional design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If manual conversion of three-dimensional mechanical models to two-dimensional layout representations is performed, then accuracy can be maintained, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout representation accuracyVSAvoidconversion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of conversion with an automated computational system. The conversion algorithm automatically calculates the transformation from three-dimensional mechanical coordinates to two-dimensional layout coordinates, maintaining precision while eliminating the time-consuming manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automated calculations to establish the coordinate transformation relationships before actual layout design begins. By pre-processing the three-dimensional model data and generating the two-dimensional representation automatically, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual conversion during the design phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If non-planar folded printed circuit board configurations are used to reduce product size, then product compactness is improved, but conventional layout tools cannot process these configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct sizeVSAvoidtool compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality reduction by converting three-dimensional folded circuit board configurations into two-dimensional layout representations. This allows non-planar designs that reduce product volume to be processed by conventional two-dimensional layout tools, maintaining tool compatibility while enabling compact product designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the three-dimensional folded circuit board into multiple planar sections that can be individually processed and then reassembled in the two-dimensional layout representation. This segmentation approach allows complex non-planar configurations to be handled by conventional tools that work with flat layouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9881113B2Layout synthesis of a three-dimensional mechanical system design

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 SIEMENS INDUSTRY SOFTWARE INC

AI summary

This application discloses a computing system implementing tools and mechanisms to import a three-dimensional mechanical model from a mechanical design system. The three-dimensional mechanical model includes a folded representation of a substrate having a surface for placement of electronic components and electrical connections. The tools and mechanisms can identify one or more bends in the surface of the folded representation of the substrate, and generate a two-dimensional layout representation of the substrate for an electronic design system based, at least in part, on the one or more bends in the surface of the folded representation of the substrate.