Vehicle Style Prototype Supports with AR/VR Position Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current design processes for vehicles lack a seamless integration of physical and virtual tools, leading to inefficiencies in time, cost, and waste during the creation and presentation of vehicle prototypes.

Innovation Solution

A device integrating physical supports with a 3D virtual or augmented reality display, allowing adjustable positioning through actuators and a CPU for real-time interaction between physical and digital environments, enabling ergonomic simulation and presentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If physical models (3D printing, wooden and clay models) are created for design refinement and presentation, then design accuracy and tactile evaluation are improved, but production time, costs, and material waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign accuracyVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of physical design elements using 3D scanning technology. Physical components are scanned to generate accurate digital replicas that can be manipulated, evaluated, and presented without requiring physical reproduction. This eliminates the need to create multiple physical models while preserving design accuracy through high-fidelity digital representations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical mechanical models with a virtual reality system. Instead of manipulating physical clay or 3D-printed models, designers interact with virtual representations through VR headsets and haptic feedback devices. This substitution eliminates material waste and production time while maintaining tactile evaluation capabilities through force feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If physical models are created for design refinement and presentation, then design accuracy and tactile evaluation are improved, but production costs and material waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign accuracyVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates virtual copies of physical design elements through 3D scanning, eliminating the need to produce multiple physical models. The digital replicas preserve all geometric and surface information, allowing unlimited iterations without consuming additional materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic modification of design parameters in the virtual environment. Designers can change dimensions, shapes, and configurations digitally without producing physical prototypes for each variation. This parameter-based approach eliminates material waste associated with creating multiple physical versions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If multiple physical models are produced for different design projects, then design evaluation capability is improved, but storage space and transportation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign evaluation capabilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent stores virtual replicas of physical models in digital memory instead of physical storage space. These digital models can be instantly retrieved, displayed, and evaluated without requiring physical storage facilities or transportation infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The VR evaluation system serves multiple design projects through a single platform. Different virtual models can be loaded and evaluated using the same hardware setup (VR headset, haptic feedback device), eliminating the need for dedicated physical model storage and transportation for each project.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If traditional physical prototyping methods are used, then comprehensive tactile and visual evaluation is achieved, but time and cost efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation comprehensivenessVSAvoidtime efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical prototyping with a virtual reality system that provides both visual and tactile feedback. VR headsets deliver immersive visual evaluation, while haptic feedback devices provide tactile sensation through force feedback, maintaining comprehensive evaluation capability without the time cost of physical model production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows designers to independently evaluate designs in the virtual environment without requiring physical model fabrication. The VR platform provides self-contained evaluation capabilities including visual rendering, haptic feedback, and measurement tools that work autonomously without external physical resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12592166B2Device for the creation and management of style prototypes with the integration of physical and virtual tools
Publication Date: 2026.03.31 GRANSTUDIO SPA
  • US12592166B2 patent drawing
  • US12592166B2 patent drawing
  • US12592166B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Device for the creation and management of style prototypes comprising a plurality of physical supports and a digital medium comprising a CPU and a display and control device. The physical supports are movable and adjustable by means of a plurality of respective actuators. The CPU is configured to actuate the actuators to adjust the positioning of the physical supports to predetermined positions, or to display the position of the physical supports.