Sketch-Based 3D Modeling System for Rapid Design Exploration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD tools are inadequate for early-stage design processes, as they require expert-level skills and are not conducive to quick idea capture and rapid exploration of design space, limiting their ability to support high-quality end products and reduce design time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A collaborative 3D computer modeling system that enables sketch-based techniques for generating and manipulating 3D shapes, allowing users to create and modify shapes interactively in a digital workspace using both desktop and mobile interfaces, with features like 3D manipulation widgets, overdrawing operations, and hierarchical design representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional CAD tools are used for early-stage design, then design precision and control are improved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate due to requiring expert-level skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that translates simple sketch inputs into precise 3D models. The sketch-based interface acts as a mediator between user intent and complex CAD operations, allowing users to draw freely while the system handles the complex geometry generation and refinement automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical CAD manipulation (precise coordinate input, constraint-based modeling) with a digital sketching system. Users draw freehand sketches that are automatically converted into parametric 3D models, substituting manual precision operations with automated computational geometry processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional CAD tools are used for detailed design, then design quality is improved, but design time increases due to complex操作流程
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically generating base 3D models from simple sketches before detailed design work begins. The system pre-processes the sketch data into structured 3D geometry with proper constraints and parameters already in place, so users don't need to start from scratch or perform time-consuming setup operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by generating accurate 3D model representations from 2D sketch copies. The sketch serves as a simplified copy of the intended design, and the system automatically creates the full 3D model from this copy, avoiding the need to build the model element-by-element from scratch.
3Ease of operation
If sketch-based techniques are implemented, then ease of operation and rapid idea capture are improved, but manufacturing precision and control may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors sketch inputs and provides real-time feedback on model generation status, constraint satisfaction, and design feasibility. Users receive feedback about their sketch interpretations and can adjust their drawings accordingly, ensuring both ease of operation and modeling precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by automatically adjusting geometric parameters, tolerance levels, and model complexity based on the sketch quality and design context. The system dynamically modifies modeling parameters to balance between capturing user intent accurately and maintaining manufacturing precision, adapting to different design scenarios automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A collaborative 3D modeling system, comprising a computer processing unit, a digital memory, and an electronic display, the computer processing unit and the digital memory configured to provide 3D model representations of a first plurality of versions of an object component for a first user, the versions being selectable along a first axis, and using the electronic display, provide a plurality of user identifications which are selectable along a second axis, wherein selecting a subsequent user causes a second plurality of said versions of said object component to be displayed on the electronic display.