Shape Synthesis Connectivity Filtering for Generative CAD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD systems struggle with disconnections in generative design processes, particularly when multiple preserves are subjected to varying loads, leading to unusable designs and numerical simulation issues.
Innovation Solution
Implement connectivity filtering during shape synthesis by identifying and ensuring paths between specified regions using path search algorithms and level-set representations to prevent disconnections, adjusting data values to limit thickness reduction, and modifying the shape to maintain connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If generative design processes optimize design objectives without connectivity constraints, then design quality and manufacturing efficiency improve, but disconnections between specified regions occur leading to unusable designs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of paths between specified regions before the shape synthesis optimization completes. By detecting potential disconnections in advance and pre-establishing connectivity constraints along identified paths, the system prevents disconnections from occurring during optimization, thereby maintaining both productivity and design usability.
2Reliability
If connectivity filtering is implemented to prevent disconnections, then design usability improves, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying connectivity filtering globally to the entire design domain, the system identifies specific paths between specified regions and applies constraints only along these localized paths. This targeted approach maintains design usability while minimizing computational overhead by focusing processing only where connectivity issues are likely to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary connectivity filter that operates between the shape synthesis optimization and the final design validation. This filter monitors thickness values along identified paths and applies corrective constraints only when necessary, acting as a mediator that prevents disconnections without requiring complete redesign of the optimization process.
3Shape
If thickness reduction is allowed during shape synthesis, then design optimization improves, but disconnections occur between specified regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors thickness values along identified paths during shape synthesis optimization. When the thickness approaches a critical threshold that could cause disconnection, the system provides feedback by applying connectivity constraints to prevent further reduction. This feedback mechanism allows the optimization to proceed while maintaining connectivity, resolving the contradiction between shape optimization and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for computer aided design with connectivity filtering during shape synthesis, include: a three-dimensional modeling program configured to provide disconnection detection, shape synthesis, and/or connectivity filtering during shape and/or topology optimization (116). The three-dimensional modeling program (116) can be an architecture, engineering and/or construction program (e.g., building information management program), a product design and/or manufacturing program (e.g., a CAM program), and/or a media and/or entertainment production program (e.g., an animation production program).