3D Multi-Surface Patterning Using Guide Curves and Section Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for distributing objects onto complex 3D surfaces require significant manual effort or result in poor approximations and distortions due to the creation of additional surfaces, which are not exact and prone to distortion, especially with complicated shapes.
Innovation Solution
A method using a script that defines a single curve along a 3D CAD surface to establish a U space for pattern distribution, with perpendicular planes intersecting the surfaces, and optionally a second curve to define left and right sides, allowing precise pattern distribution without manual customization for each surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an additional single surface is created to distribute objects, then object distribution becomes easier and faster, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to approximation errors and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the target multi-surface geometry by generating an approximate single surface that mirrors the essential shape characteristics. This copy surface serves as an intermediate workspace where patterns can be easily distributed, and then the pattern positions are transferred back to the original multi-surface. The copying approach allows efficient pattern generation while maintaining accuracy through the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate single surface as a mediator between the user's pattern design needs and the complex multi-surface target. This intermediate surface simplifies the pattern distribution task by providing a unified workspace, while the projection mechanism ensures the pattern accurately maps to the original multi-surface geometry, resolving the contradiction between ease of distribution and precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual work is used to create and manipulate the additional surface, then adaptability to complex shapes improves, but loss of time increases due to repeated resizing, rotating, and translating operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically generating the approximate single surface through algorithmic processing of the target multi-surface geometry. Instead of requiring manual shaping operations, the system pre-computes the intermediate surface that best fits the target geometry, eliminating the need for iterative manual adjustments and significantly reducing preparation time while maintaining adaptability to complex shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual manipulation process (resizing, rotating, translating) with an automated computational system. The algorithm automatically generates and positions the intermediate surface by analyzing the target geometry and applying mathematical transformations, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated computational processes that are both faster and more precise.
3Ease of operation
If the additional surface is far from the target surfaces, then ease of operation improves for pattern design, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to increased distortion in projection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the geometric parameters of the intermediate surface to optimize the balance between ease of operation and projection accuracy. By adjusting parameters such as surface curvature, scale, and position based on the target geometry analysis, the system creates an intermediate surface that is sufficiently simplified for easy pattern design while maintaining close enough geometric correspondence to minimize projection distortion.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system provide for multi-surface patterning. An input target multi-surface consisting of multiple target surfaces is obtained. A first guide curve is obtained. A pattern is obtained. One or more section planes are created based on the pattern and the first guide curve. The one or more section planes are intersected with each of the multiple target surfaces resulting in an intersection curve for each of the multiple target surfaces. A single continuous curve is created from the intersecting curves. Points are generated based on the continuous curve, the first guide curve, and the pattern. An object is generated and placed based on the points.