3D Object Design Using Reducer Tree for Material Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive fabrication techniques face challenges in efficiently designing objects with complex mechanical and optical properties, as specifying materials for each region of an object to achieve desired characteristics is time-consuming and often impossible due to the lack of intuitive correspondence between desired properties and material placement.
Innovation Solution
A method using a reducer tree to identify sub-regions of an object and select materials for each region, allowing for the adjustment of parameters to achieve desired properties by simulating the object's composition and optimizing material choices, thereby simplifying the design process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional additive fabrication techniques are used to design objects with complex mechanical and optical properties, then material placement can be specified for each region, but the design process becomes time-consuming and often impossible due to lack of intuitive correspondence between desired properties and material placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the design process from specifying individual material placements to defining target properties (mechanical and optical characteristics). The system automatically determines material distribution by simulating and optimizing parameter combinations, changing the design parameters from spatial coordinates to property specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual/iterative mechanical design process with computational simulation and optimization. Computer-based simulations predict object behavior under different material compositions, eliminating time-consuming physical prototyping and manual adjustment cycles.
2Device complexity
If the number of parameters describing object composition is reduced through the reducer tree, then the design process is simplified, but the ability to precisely control material distribution may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the object into multiple regions and applies different material compositions to each segment. The reducer tree systematically divides the complex composition problem into manageable sub-regions, each optimized for specific property requirements while maintaining overall object performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite material approaches by combining multiple materials in specific ratios and distributions within different object regions. The system evaluates various material combinations and their resulting properties to achieve target characteristics through optimized composite formulations.
3Reliability
If simulations are performed to determine physical properties of the object with different compositions, then the desired target properties can be achieved, but the computational resources and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary simulations and property evaluations during the design phase to predict object behavior before fabrication. By pre-calculating material property combinations and their effects, the system avoids costly iterative testing and ensures target properties are met before manufacturing begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where simulation results are continuously compared against target properties, and material compositions are adjusted accordingly. The system uses simulation feedback to guide optimization iterations, efficiently converging on solutions that meet desired specifications while minimizing computational waste.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some aspects, a method of designing an object based on a three-dimensional model representing a shape of the object is provided. The object may be fabricated from a plurality of materials having one or more known physical properties, wherein the object is designed to exhibit one or more target properties. The method may comprise determining a first composition of the object by providing the three-dimensional model as input to a reducer tree, determining one or more physical properties of the object with the first composition by simulating the object with the first composition, comparing the determined one or more physical properties with the one or more target properties, and determining a second composition of the object based on a result of comparing the determined one or more physical properties with the one or more target properties.