Voxel Graph Optimization for Additive Manufacturing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional printing technologies are limited in customizing objects with multiple materials, which restricts creativity and mechanical strength, especially when applying textures that require both full and empty spaces.
Innovation Solution
A device processes voxel data to generate and optimize graph structures for additive manufacturing, using a combination of generators, extractors, stiffeners, and drivers to redefine edges and spaces, ensuring mechanical strength while allowing for aesthetic customization by selecting appropriate projection and transformation pairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pattern defining empty and full space is applied to customize three-dimensional printing, then aesthetic possibilities and customization are improved, but mechanical strength becomes complex to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional object into a voxel grid structure, dividing the continuous space into discrete volumetric elements. This segmentation allows independent control of each voxel to define full or empty space, enabling pattern application while maintaining structural integrity through strategic placement of full voxels as load-bearing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the object by varying the pattern density and voxel distribution locally. Full voxels are concentrated in regions requiring mechanical strength while empty voxels are used in non-critical areas, allowing aesthetic customization without compromising overall structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single material is used for printing, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but creativity and mechanical strength are greatly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining full voxels (solid material) and empty voxels (void space) in specific patterns. This composite approach using a single material type achieves the effect of multiple materials by strategically placing material only where needed for both aesthetic and mechanical purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous structures by introducing empty voxels within the solid material matrix. This creates a controlled porosity pattern that reduces material usage and weight while maintaining structural strength through the strategic distribution of solid voxels, enabling creative designs without requiring multiple material types.
Data Source
AI summary
An additive manufacturing device processes voxels representing an object to be additively manufactured by determining two graphs depending on whether the voxels indicate full or empty spaces, and redefines some of the voxels indicating an empty space as full spaces in order to ensure mechanical stability.