3D Object Volume Coverage With Non-Planar Printing Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional 3D printing methods that slice 3D objects into parallel planes often result in suboptimal surface finish and mechanical strength due to non-intrinsic printing directions, lacking complete volume coverage and being limited to specific geometries.
Innovation Solution
Generating a set of non-planar univariate curves that cover the 3D object's volume within a tolerance requirement, using external directional vector fields and curve-trivariate function composition to create intrinsic printing paths that improve surface finish and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional slicing methods are used to divide 3D objects into parallel planes, then the printing process is simplified and can be implemented with basic 3D printers, but the surface finish and mechanical strength of the printed object deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D object volume into multiple univariate curves that can be independently processed and printed. By dividing the volume into curve-based paths rather than traditional planar slices, the method maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving surface finish quality through more precise material deposition along curved trajectories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar slicing to three-dimensional curve-based volume coverage. By using univariate curves that extend through the volume in multiple directions rather than confining printing to parallel planes, the method achieves superior surface finish and mechanical properties while maintaining processability.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional slicing methods are used to divide 3D objects into parallel planes, then the printing process is simplified and can be implemented with basic 3D printers, but the mechanical strength of the printed object deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D object volume into multiple univariate curves that can be independently processed and printed. By dividing the volume into curve-based paths rather than traditional planar slices, the method maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving mechanical strength through more precise material deposition along curved trajectories that better distribute structural loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved univariate paths instead of straight-line traditional toolpaths. The curvature of these paths allows for more natural stress distribution and better material bonding, resulting in improved mechanical strength while maintaining ease of manufacture through systematic curve generation algorithms.
3Manufacturing precision
If non-planar univariate curves are used to cover the 3D object volume, then the surface finish and mechanical strength are improved, but the computational complexity and algorithm requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs algorithms that automatically generate the optimal set of univariate curves based on the input 3D model geometry. The system self-adapts to different object shapes and volumes without requiring manual intervention, reducing the perceived computational complexity while maintaining high manufacturing precision through automated curve optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex 3D volume coverage problem into a series of parameterized univariate curve definitions. By changing the representation from volumetric voxels or planar slices to parametric curves, the system achieves high precision surface finish while the computational complexity is managed through efficient parameterization and mathematical modeling.
4Productivity
If traditional parallel plane slicing is used, then the printing process can handle simple geometries efficiently, but complex geometries cannot be printed with optimal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal printing approach using univariate curves that can handle both simple and complex geometries with optimal quality. The curve-based method is multi-functional, adapting to various object types and complexities while maintaining high surface finish and mechanical strength, eliminating the need for geometry-specific printing strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic curve generation that adapts to the specific geometry being printed. For simple geometries, the system efficiently generates fewer, simpler curves maintaining high productivity. For complex geometries, the system automatically generates more numerous and intricate curves to achieve optimal quality, making the system versatile across different complexity levels.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of representing a three dimensional (3D) object using univariate curves, comprising: receiving an initial definition of a 3D object representation, calculate a covering set of univariate curves, the covering set comprising at least one non-planar univariate curve, wherein the covering set of univariate curves represent the volume of the 3D object within a tolerance requirement, and generating a representation of the 3D object based on the set of univariate curves, wherein the set of univariate curves represent the volume of the 3D object.