Watertight Spline Morphing with PMI-Preserving Warp Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD modeling techniques require extensive manual effort and time to convert CAD models into suitable formats for downstream applications like finite element analysis and additive manufacturing, due to mathematical approximations that lead to geometric discontinuities and loss of design intent information.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a warp function based on the differences between an as-designed watertight spline model and an as-inspected model, using manufacturing and inspection data to create a continuous representation that maintains semantic Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI), thereby eliminating the need for intermediate mesh or faceted representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CAD models are converted to intermediate mesh or faceted representations for downstream applications, then compatibility with analysis and manufacturing tools is improved, but geometric accuracy and design intent information are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a B-rep model as an intermediary representation that maintains exact geometric definitions while enabling downstream applications. Instead of converting directly to meshes, the B-rep model serves as a mediator that preserves design intent and allows for accurate extraction of geometric information needed by analysis and manufacturing tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating a watertight B-rep model with embedded manufacturing information before downstream processing. This preliminary model preparation ensures that geometric accuracy is maintained throughout subsequent operations, eliminating the need for lossy conversions to intermediate mesh representations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual repair and conversion processes are used to fix CAD model discontinuities, then model compatibility for downstream applications is improved, but productivity and time to market are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by automatically generating watertight B-rep models with embedded manufacturing information through algorithmic processes. The system performs self-healing of geometric discontinuities and automatic validation, eliminating the need for manual repair operations and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated B-rep model that simultaneously serves as the design model, the manufacturing model, and the analysis model. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate manual conversion processes between different model types, streamlining the workflow and accelerating product development.
3Power
If restrictive mathematical assumptions are used in CAD software kernels, then computational efficiency is improved, but geometric accuracy and design intent information are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining different levels of geometric representation in different contexts. The B-rep model preserves exact mathematical definitions for design intent and manufacturing accuracy, while allowing for efficient computational processing when needed for analysis or visualization, thus achieving both precision and efficiency in appropriate contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and computer systems for methods, computer systems, and computer-readable memory media for determining a warp function. A first watertight spline model of a first object and a set of points and associated metadata from a second object are received. A second watertight spline model of the second object is constructed based on the set of points, the metadata, and the first watertight spline model. A warp function is determined based on a difference between the first watertight spline model and the second watertight spline model. The warp function is a continuous function approximating differences between the first object and the second object. The warp function is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium.