Higher order construction algorithm method for rapid prototyping
AssigneeUniversity of Utah Research Foundation
InventorsCharles L. Thomas, Cheol H. Lee, Srinivas Kaza, Thomas M. Gaffney
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Abstract
A rapid prototype modeling system operates to first electronically decompose a discrete part represented by an STL file into electronic layers, using a paradigm characterized by a higher than zero order of fit with respect to the surface of the part. Physical layers are generated from the electronic layers by mechanical devices constructed and arranged to operate in accordance with the paradigm. The physical layers are then stacked appropriately to create a physical model of the discrete part.
Claims14
In a rapid prototype system wherein an electronic model of an object is electronically decomposed into a first series of electronic layers, a second series of physical layers is generated from a construction material, said second series corresponding layer by layer to said first series, and a physical prototype of that object is then constructed by assembling said physical layers, the improvement which comprises:
- a. electronically decomposing said object into said first series of electronic layers in accordance with a paradigm characterized by a higher than zero order fit with respect to the surface of said object;
- and
- b. generating said second series of physical layers from said construction material by mechanical means constructed and arranged to operate in accordance with said paradigm.
A rapid prototype system, comprising:
- electronically decomposing an electronic model of an object into a first series of electronic layers in accordance with a paradigm characterized by a higher than zero order fit with respect to the surface of said object;
- generating a second series of physical layers from a construction material by mechanical means constructed and arranged to operate in accordance with said paradigm, said second series corresponding layer by layer to said first series;
- and
- constructing a physical prototype of said object by assembling said physical layers.
A method for producing a physical prototype from an electronic model of an object, comprising:
- electronically decomposing said model into a first series of electronic layers in accordance with a paradigm characterized by a higher than zero order fit with respect to the surface of said object;
- generating a second series of physical layers, corresponding layer by layer to said first series, from construction material by mechanical means constructed and arranged to operate in accordance with said paradigm;
- and
- assembling said second series of layers to form said physical prototype.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.