Parallel Geodesic Curve Design for Composite Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CAD systems face inefficiencies in computing multiple parallel geodesic curves, particularly in composite part design, due to high computational time and the amplification of imperfections when reusing previous curves, leading to performance issues and the creation of superfluous vertices.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that involves sampling a base curve into a list of points, determining a grid of perpendicular geodesic curves, and computing a plurality of parallel geodesic curves using this grid, allowing for dynamic refinement and singularity management to improve design efficiency and reduce computational complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If previous parallel geodesic curves are reused to compute new curves, then computational speed is improved, but imperfections are amplified and superfluous vertices are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational speedVSAvoidcurve precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The method pre-computes a grid of perpendicular geodesic curves from the base curve before generating parallel curves. This preliminary grid structure provides accurate reference points for all parallel curves, preventing the amplification of imperfections that occurs when reusing previous curves. The grid serves as a stable foundation that eliminates cumulative errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The perpendicular geodesic grid acts as an intermediary structure between the base curve and the parallel geodesic curves. Instead of directly computing parallel curves from previous results (which amplifies errors), the method uses the perpendicular grid as a mediating reference framework that ensures geometric accuracy while enabling efficient computation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parallel geodesic curves are computed using traditional methods, then design flexibility is improved, but computational time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidcomputational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The perpendicular geodesic grid is pre-computed once from the base curve, creating a reusable reference framework. This preliminary action enables multiple parallel curves to be generated efficiently without repeating the full computation, thus maintaining design flexibility while reducing computational time for each additional curve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The method segments the curve generation process into two independent phases: (1) computing the perpendicular geodesic grid from the base curve, and (2) generating parallel curves by offsetting along the grid. This segmentation allows the computationally intensive part to be performed once, while multiple parallel curves can be generated efficiently by simply traversing the pre-computed grid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional curve computation methods are used, then ease of implementation is improved, but device complexity increases due to error correction requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The perpendicular geodesic grid serves as an intermediary reference framework that simplifies the computation of parallel curves. By using this grid as a stable reference, the method eliminates the need for complex error correction algorithms and vertex filtering that would otherwise be required to handle accumulated geometric imperfections from traditional iterative methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2383669B1Design of a part modeled by parallel geodesic curves
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 DASSAULT SYSTEMES SA
  • EP2383669B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2383669B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9
  • EP2383669B1 patent drawingFigure 10~12

AI summary

The invention provides a computer implemented method for designing a part. The method comprises a step of providing a surface and a base curve lying on the surface. The method also comprises a step of sampling the base curve into a list of base points. The method also comprises a step of determining a grid of points of perpendicular geodesic curves. The points of the grid each belong to a respective level. Each level of the grid corresponds to a respective geodesic distance to the base curve. Each perpendicular geodesic curve lies on the surface and departs perpendicularly from the base curve at a respective base point. The method then comprises a step of computing a plurality of parallel geodesic curves lying on the surface by using the grid of points. Each parallel geodesic curve corresponds to a respective level. A representation of the part is displayed according to the method. Such a method is efficient for the computation of a plurality of parallel geodesic curves in terms of computer resource and it saves time to the designer.