Custom Cellular Lattice Kernel Design via Genome Engine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for designing cellular lattice materials focus primarily on geometric optimizations rather than topology, limiting the ability to customize lattice kernels according to specific material properties.

Innovation Solution

A computer-aided design system that uses a genome engine to generate custom cellular lattice kernels through an iterative process involving a prediction engine and fitness evaluator, allowing for the optimization of both geometry and topology based on targeted material properties, utilizing a machine learning-based model to approximate lattice structure properties and evaluate kernel candidates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pre-defined lattice kernel library is used, then design process is simplified, but customization capability according to material properties is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign process simplicityVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lattice kernel design is segmented into fundamental features (nodes, beams, geometric orientations, topological configurations) that can be independently controlled through the genome engine, allowing systematic generation of customized kernels while maintaining a structured design process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by using a genome represented as binary code where each bit controls a specific feature, enabling systematic variation of geometric and topological parameters to achieve customized material properties while following a standardized design framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If full-scale lattice simulations are performed for each kernel candidate, then prediction accuracy is improved, but computational time and process efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidcomputational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning prediction model is trained in advance on lattice structure properties, enabling rapid prediction of kernel candidate performance without performing full-scale simulations for each candidate, thus saving computational time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning prediction model acts as an intermediary between the genome engine and fitness evaluator, providing accurate predictions of lattice properties without requiring direct full-scale simulations, thereby reducing computational cost and time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If topology optimization is performed, then material property customization is improved, but design process complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial property customizationVSAvoiddesign process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The topology optimization process is segmented into discrete genome features that can be independently optimized, transforming the complex continuous topology optimization problem into a manageable discrete optimization problem with clear control over each feature

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fitness evaluator provides feedback on kernel candidate performance based on predicted material properties, enabling iterative optimization of the genome sequence to achieve customized material properties through systematic evaluation and selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12124771B2Computer aided design of custom cellular lattice kernels according to material properties
Publication Date: 2024.10.22 SIEMENS INDUSTRY SOFTWARE INC
  • US12124771B2 patent drawing
  • US12124771B2 patent drawing
  • US12124771B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems are disclosed for generation of cellular lattice kernels optimized by multiple objectives for highly specific targeted properties of geometry and topology rather than state of the art methods that rely on a predefined kernel library. Using a characterization of virtual kernel features, bulk material properties can be predicted using approximations from the virtual kernel rather than having to rely solely on experimental finite element simulations of lattice structures.