Shape Data Generation for Nested Cutting Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional nesting process techniques for cutting plotters are ineffective in arranging parts obtained by slicing a cutting shape onto a single sheet-like medium, leading to inefficient use of free space and increased manufacturing costs, especially when cutting expensive materials.

Innovation Solution

A shape data generation apparatus that includes a slicing unit to divide a cutting shape into parts based on a closed shape, a nesting unit to arrange protruding parts within the closed shape, and a generation unit to create new shape data for optimal fitting, using run length encoding and fragmentation to optimize part arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional nesting process technique is used to arrange parts on sheet-like medium, then parts can be cut from pre-prepared shape data, but free space of the sheet-like medium cannot be effectively used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste of sheet-like mediumVSAvoidcomplexity of arrangement process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary slicing of the cutting shape into multiple parts according to the closed shape before arrangement. This preliminary action enables the subsequent nesting unit to efficiently arrange parts in free spaces, maximizing medium utilization without complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting shape is segmented into multiple parts by the slicing unit based on the closed shape. This segmentation allows individual parts to be independently arranged in free spaces within the closed shape, enabling effective use of the sheet-like medium while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If cutting shape is sliced into multiple parts according to closed shape, then parts can be arranged on one sheet-like medium, but arrangement process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of sheet-like medium usageVSAvoidcomplexity of slicing and arrangement process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arrangement unit performs multiple functions: it arranges parts in free spaces, determines optimal positions, and generates comprehensive shape data for cutting. This multi-functionality improves productivity by consolidating multiple operations into a single automated process, reducing the perceived complexity despite the sophisticated operations performed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs slicing, arrangement, and shape data generation without requiring complex manual intervention. The nesting unit self-determines optimal positions for parts in free spaces and the generation unit automatically creates the final shape data, enabling high productivity while keeping the user interface simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If multiple parts are arranged on one sheet-like medium, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the arrangement algorithm becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of parts cut from one mediumVSAvoiddifficulty of optimization calculation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex manual arrangement mechanics with an automated computational approach. The arrangement unit uses computer-based algorithms to detect free spaces and calculate optimal positions for multiple parts, increasing the quantity of parts per medium while managing the optimization complexity through automation rather than manual methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital representation (shape data) of the arranged parts before actual cutting. This copying approach allows complex optimization calculations to be performed on the digital model, determining optimal arrangements for multiple parts on one medium without the complexity of direct physical manipulation, then transfers the optimized arrangement to the cutting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9694507B2Shape data generation apparatus and shape data generation program

Publication Date: 2017.07.04 GRAPHTEC CORPORATION

AI summary

There are provided a shape data generation apparatus and shape data generation program capable of arranging, on one sheet-like medium, parts obtained by slicing one cutting shape. A shape data generation apparatus includes a slicing unit (11) configured to slice a cutting shape represented by supplied shape data into a plurality of parts in accordance with a closed shape prepared in advance, an arrangement unit (12) configured to arrange, of the cutting shape, a part protruding from the closed shape to fit in a free space within the closed shape, and a generation unit (13) configured to generate shape data representing a plurality of parts fitted in the closed shape.