Automated Utility Hole Placement in 3D Models
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modifying 3D models to add functional utility holes is a tedious and time-consuming manual process, lacking efficient automation in the 3D printing context.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that access a digital representation of a 3D model, perform heuristic evaluations to determine suitable placements for utility holes, and modify the model using either subtractive or additive methods to include these holes, minimizing aesthetic disruption and ensuring structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual modification is used to add utility holes to 3D models, then the model can be customized with functional utility, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic heuristic evaluation and model modification without requiring manual user intervention. The computer automatically evaluates the digital representation, determines optimal utility hole placements, and modifies the model file, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring tedious manual customization
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the 3D model by automatically determining and implementing utility hole placements based on heuristic evaluation. This transforms the model from a static design to a functional object with integrated utility holes, achieving adaptability through automated parameter modification
2Adaptability or versatility
If utility holes are added to 3D models, then functional utility is achieved, but the model's aesthetics may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The heuristic evaluation module evaluates specific locations on the 3D model to determine the best placement for utility holes. By assessing local geometric properties and characteristics at different positions, the system identifies placements that minimize aesthetic disruption while achieving functional utility, applying local quality analysis rather than uniform placement
3Adaptability or versatility
If utility holes are added to 3D models, then functional utility is achieved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heuristic evaluation module assesses local structural properties at potential utility hole locations to ensure that placements maintain overall structural stability. By analyzing local geometric characteristics and structural integrity at each candidate position, the system selects placements that preserve the model's structural composition while enabling functional utility
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method and apparatus for automatically adding utility holes to printable 3D models by accessing a digital representation of a 3D model; accessing specifications that define the geometry of a utility hole to be included with the 3D model; performing a heuristic evaluation of the digital representation of the 3D model to determine one of one or more possible placements of the utility hole to be included with the 3D model as a placement for the utility hole; modifying the digital representation of the 3D model so as to include the utility hole at the placement; and providing a modified digital representation of the 3D model for printing.