Recursive 3D Model Partitioning for Print Volume Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D printing technologies face limitations in printing large objects due to restricted printing volume, as manual or automated partitioning methods often result in structurally unsound components with excessive cuts, poor volume utilization, and assembly issues.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for recursively partitioning 3D models using planar cuts, evaluated by objective functions to minimize components and ensure structural soundness, with connectors placed to facilitate assembly and printing within a predefined volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If manual partitioning is used to divide large objects for 3D printing, then the object can be printed in smaller components, but the process is laborious and does not guarantee structural soundness or proper assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting volumeVSAvoidpartitioning process

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent automatically segments large 3D models into smaller components that fit within printer volume constraints. The system uses algorithms to identify optimal cut planes and divide the model into manageable parts, eliminating manual partitioning effort while ensuring each component is printable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of the 3D model to determine optimal partitioning strategies before actual printing. It evaluates structural integrity, identifies critical features, and pre-plans cut locations to ensure components can be assembled correctly, preventing structural soundness issues before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automated partitioning techniques are used to divide 3D models, then the process is faster, but the techniques use too many cuts and ignore object features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartitioning speedVSAvoidnumber of cuts

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different partitioning strategies to different regions of the 3D model based on local features. Critical structural areas are preserved with minimal or no cuts, while non-critical regions are partitioned as needed to fit printer volume. This feature-aware approach reduces the total number of cuts compared to uniform automated partitioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses computational algorithms to create virtual partitions and evaluate their impact before actual printing. By simulating different partitioning scenarios and copying the partitioning logic across similar model regions, the system identifies optimal cut locations that minimize the number of cuts while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Volume of moving object

If partitioning is performed to fit printing volume, then large objects can be printed, but the printing volume is not used efficiently and components require excessive assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting volumeVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent considers multiple dimensions and orientations when partitioning 3D models. Instead of only dividing along single axes, the system evaluates partitioning in various dimensional orientations to maximize the use of printer volume. This approach creates fewer, larger components that better utilize the available printing space while remaining assemblyable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic partitioning strategies that adapt to the specific geometry and constraints of each model. The system dynamically adjusts cut locations, component sizes, and orientations based on real-time evaluation of volume utilization and assembly requirements, optimizing the balance between printing volume usage and component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Volume of moving object

If cuts are made to partition the 3D model, then components fit within printing volume, but seam visibility increases and structural integrity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting volumeVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent strategically places cuts in locations where they are least visible and have minimal structural impact. By converting the necessary harm of cutting (which creates seams and weakens structure) into beneficial placements along natural feature lines or less critical areas, the system minimizes both visual impact and structural degradation while achieving volume compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS10025882B2Partitioning models into 3D-printable components

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

The disclosure provides a technique for recursively partitioning a 3D model of an object into two or more components such that each component fits within a predefined printing volume. The technique includes determining a set of planar cuts each of which partitions the 3D model into at least two components, evaluating one or more objective functions for each cut in the set of planar cuts, and selecting a cut from the set of planar cuts based on the evaluations of the objective functions. In addition, the technique includes, upon determining that a component resulting from the selected cut does not fit within the predefined printing volume, further partitioning that component.