Method and apparatus for precisely fitting, reproducing, and creating 3-dimensional objects from digitized and/or parametric data inputs using computer aided design and manufacturing technology
First Claim
1. A method enabling the precise creation, fitting, and reproduction of objects, comprising the steps of:
- 1) defining a single 2-dimensional profile representation of an object;
2) measuring values from the object and defining a sufficient number of parametric values, comprising angular dimensions and/or linear dimensions and/or point coordinates, wherein the sufficient number of parametric values are derived from the measured values and characterize how the object changes in cross-section in 3-dimensional space with respect to the 2-dimensional profile of step 1;
3) converting the profile and parametric values into an electronic format suitable for input to computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) programs;
4) creating a virtual CAD model from the profile and parametric values;
5) calculating Numerical Control (NC) motion commands from the CAD model using CAM technology;
6) processing an object using Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine; and
,7) transmitting data throughout the process, enabling theses steps to be conducted at any combination of geographic locations.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A high-technology method for creating, reproducing, and or precisely fitting custom appendages to topographically complex structures. The method comprises a combination of novel measurement techniques in conjunction with computerized modeling and machining processes applied to achieve a virtually perfect tailored fit with mating structures. The method does not require the physical presence of the mating structure so the modeling and machining operations may be conducted at a separate location based solely on parametric dimensional and/or graphical data inputs and a customized data form. Said data may be transmitted conventionally or electronically as by fax or the internet. The invention includes a printed virtual protractor tool (16) for accurately measuring angles. A means for direct digitization of the required topological data input is also provided. The novel aspects of this invention can be combined with conventional fitting equipment and processes. The scope of this invention is exceedingly broad with a variety of potential applications cited. Two examples are presented to illustrate utility in the context of complex operations routinely encounter by gunsmiths in fitting recoil pads (9) to gunstocks (23) and fitting sighting ribs (37) to gun barrels (42).
-
Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A method enabling the precise creation, fitting, and reproduction of objects, comprising the steps of:
-
1) defining a single 2-dimensional profile representation of an object; 2) measuring values from the object and defining a sufficient number of parametric values, comprising angular dimensions and/or linear dimensions and/or point coordinates, wherein the sufficient number of parametric values are derived from the measured values and characterize how the object changes in cross-section in 3-dimensional space with respect to the 2-dimensional profile of step 1; 3) converting the profile and parametric values into an electronic format suitable for input to computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) programs; 4) creating a virtual CAD model from the profile and parametric values; 5) calculating Numerical Control (NC) motion commands from the CAD model using CAM technology; 6) processing an object using Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine; and
,7) transmitting data throughout the process, enabling theses steps to be conducted at any combination of geographic locations. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. An apparatus enabling the precise creation, fitting, and reproduction of objects, comprising:
-
1) a means of defining a 2-dimensional profile representation of an object'"'"'s edges; 2) a means of measuring values from the object and defining a sufficient number of parametric values, comprising angular dimensions and/or linear dimensions and/or point coordinates, wherein the sufficient number of parametric values are derived from the measured values and characterize how the object changes in cross-section in 3-dimensional space with respect to the 2-dimensional profile of step 1; 3) a means of converting the profile and parametric values into an electronic format suitable for input to computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) programs; 4) a means of creating a virtual CAD model from the profile and parametric values; 5) a means of calculating Numerical Control (NC) motion commands from the CAD model using CAM technology; 6) a means of processing an object using Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine; and
,7) a means of transmitting data throughout the process, enabling theses steps to be conducted at any combination of geographic locations.
-
Specification