Unit Cell Editing With Real-Time 3D Lattice Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for designing lattice structures in additive manufacturing are inflexible, limiting customization and tailoring to specific applications, and lack effective visualization tools for novice users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for designing unit cells that allow users to create and customize unit cells from scratch, with real-time visualization and modification capabilities, enabling the creation of customized lattice structures through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems are used for designing lattice structures, then the design process is simplified, but customization and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the unit cell design into independent editable elements (nodes, edges, faces) that can be modified individually. Each element can be selected and altered separately through the user interface, allowing granular customization without redesigning the entire structure. This segmentation enables high adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular editing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional 2D CAD interfaces to a 3D immersive virtual reality environment. Users interact with unit cells in three-dimensional space, allowing intuitive manipulation of geometric parameters, node positions, and strut configurations. This dimensional enhancement provides natural customization capabilities while the automated rendering and modification tools prevent complexity escalation.
2Ease of operation
If real-time visualization tools are added for novice users, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback through automated rendering that continuously updates the 3D visualization as users modify design parameters. When users adjust node positions, strut dimensions, or material properties, the virtual representation immediately reflects these changes, providing intuitive visual confirmation. This feedback mechanism enhances ease of operation while the automated nature of the rendering prevents manual complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service through automated modification commands that execute design changes without requiring complex manual operations. When users input modification parameters, the system automatically generates and applies the necessary geometric transformations, updates the visualization, and maintains design consistency. This automation improves accessibility for novice users while preventing complexity escalation through intelligent system management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If iterative design modifications are enabled, then adaptability improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the unit cell with editable parameters, nodes, and geometric definitions before the design process begins. Standard unit cell types and material properties are pre-loaded, allowing users to start modifications immediately without setup time. This preliminary preparation enables rapid iterative design while minimizing time loss through ready-to-edit templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action through real-time rendering and immediate visualization of design modifications. As users continuously adjust parameters, the system continuously updates the 3D representation without interruption or reset. This continuous feedback loop eliminates idle time between modification steps, allowing uninterrupted iterative design while maintaining design flexibility across multiple iterations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for designing a unit cell may include receiving input data via a user interface, the input data including one or more input design parameters for a unit cell, rendering a virtual three-dimensional (3D) representation of the unit cell within the user interface, based on the input design parameters, receiving, via the user interface, at least one modification command modifying the virtual 3D representation of the unit cell, altering the input data based on the received modification command, resulting in modified design parameters for the unit cell differing from the input design parameters, and outputting the modified design parameters for the unit cell.