Thin Plate Spline Ring Model Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rapid prototyping methods for creating wax models in jewelry manufacturing lack efficient tools for non-linearly transforming two-dimensional or three-dimensional models into customized three-dimensional models, particularly for creating ring designs with varying sizes while maintaining specific dimensions constant, which is time-consuming and often requires advanced CAD systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of thin plate spline technology to adjust geometry by mapping source control points to target control points, allowing for non-linear transformations of ring designs, enabling the creation of multiple ring sizes with consistent dimensions such as thickness and width, while varying the inside diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional rapid prototyping methods are used to create wax models, then the basic modeling process can be completed, but efficient tools for non-linear transformation and customization are lacking, making the process time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual CAD manipulation with an automated thin plate spline transformation system. The system uses control point mapping to automatically perform non-linear transformations of ring models, substituting the mechanical interaction with CAD software with an automated computational process that efficiently generates customized ring designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms ring models by changing geometric parameters through control point mapping. By defining source control points on the original model and target control points for the transformed model, the system automatically adjusts dimensions such as inside diameter while maintaining other parameters like thickness and width, enabling rapid size ladder generation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced CAD systems are used to create customized ring designs, then non-linear transformations can be achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential non-linear transformation functionality from complex CAD systems and implements it as a standalone thin plate spline transformation module. This module takes standard STL files as input and applies automated control point mapping, separating the customization capability from the need for expensive, complex CAD software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple STL file formats and basic control point data structures instead of complex CAD model formats. The transformation process creates new STL files for each customized ring size, using lightweight data representations that reduce computational requirements and system complexity while achieving the desired customization.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of ring dimensions is performed, then each size variation can be created, but the process is time-consuming and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual dimension adjustment with automated thin plate spline transformation. The system consistently applies mathematical transformation functions based on control point mapping, eliminating human error and ensuring dimensional consistency across all ring sizes in the size ladder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary control point mapping to establish the transformation relationship between source and target dimensions. By pre-defining how control points should map between different ring sizes, the system ensures that all subsequent transformations maintain consistent dimensional relationships, enabling accurate size ladder generation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of modeling may include obtaining an input file defining a first geometry, establishing a control related to the first geometry, adjusting the control, and using a thin plate spline transform to adjust the first geometry to a second geometry based on the control.