3D Truss Lattice Generation Using Sphere-Packed Node Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating truss lattice structures in engineering applications face challenges in optimizing node layout and beam design, particularly in supporting complex shapes and achieving optimal mechanical properties, as existing CAD tools are ill-adapted for additive manufacturing and require initial orientation alignment with axes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for manufacturing a truss by arranging spheres with a common radius within a 3D object representation to create a packed sphere arrangement, computing nodes at the sphere centers, and connecting them with beams, allowing for iterative adjustments in sphere radius, node, and beam sizes to optimize the truss lattice structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional CAD tools are used for generating truss lattice structures, then initial orientation alignment with axes is required, but this limits adaptability to complex shapes and increases design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of aligning the truss lattice to fixed axes as in traditional CAD tools, the patent inverts the approach by allowing the lattice to be generated in arbitrary orientations that conform to the complex 3D shape. The lattice structure adapts to the geometry rather than the geometry adapting to the lattice, eliminating the need for initial orientation alignment and reducing design complexity for complex shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameters of the truss lattice from fixed axis-aligned values to variable parameters that can be optimized for each complex shape. By allowing orientation angles and other geometric parameters to vary freely rather than being constrained to standard orientations, the system achieves high adaptability to complex geometries while maintaining manufacturability through systematic parameter control.
2Strength
If manual lattice design is used, then mechanical properties can be optimized, but this increases manufacturing time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where the truss lattice structure designs itself based on the input 3D shape and specified mechanical requirements. The computational algorithm automatically optimizes node placement, beam orientations, and lattice parameters to achieve desired mechanical properties without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining strength optimization while dramatically increasing manufacturing efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical design processes with a computational system that uses algorithms to automatically generate and optimize truss lattice structures. This substitution of computational methods for manual mechanical design enables rapid iteration and optimization of mechanical properties while significantly reducing the time required to produce manufacturable designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sphere packing arrangement is used to generate nodes, then automatic construction of arbitrary shapes is enabled, but this requires new manufacturing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal sphere-packing-based node generation method that can handle any complex 3D shape regardless of its specific geometry or orientation. This multi-functional approach allows the same algorithm to automatically generate appropriate truss lattice structures for diverse shapes, from simple geometries to highly complex organic forms, thereby achieving high adaptability while the resulting structures remain suitable for standard additive manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a computer implemented method of manufacturing a truss of a three dimensional (3D) object representation, comprising: receiving a definition of the 3D object representation, arranging within an interior space of the 3D object representation, a plurality of instances of a sphere having a common radius to create a packed sphere arrangement, computing nodes of a truss for the 3D object representation, each respective node positioned at a center of each respective instance of each sphere of the packed sphere arrangement, computing beams of the truss by connecting adjacent nodes with respective beams, and providing code instructions for execution by a manufacturing device controller of a manufacturing device for manufacturing the truss.