US5659478A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Rapid product realization process
Assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
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Filing: 1995-02-21
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Granted: 1997-08-19
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Expires: 2015-02-21
Abstract
Abstract A process for designing and optimally fabricating a plastic object begins by creating a surface model (215) of the object on a digital computer. The surface model contains information about the exterior of the product. A set of constraints (222) that are based on physical attributes of the product and resources available to make the product is defined, and is used to determine an optimum path (223) through a set of manufacturing processes (230) by selecting certain of those processes. A precedence relationship between the selected processes creates a set of interconnected activities. The surface model is processed (224) to convert the databank supporting the model to information that is usable by the selected processes, and this information is sent to the selected processes. Each process performs an activity in accordance with the defined precedence relationship, so that an output of the last one of the selected processes is the plastic object (235). Techniques such as surface modeling, solids modeling, stereolithography, CNC machining, and RIM molding are linked together and a common database is used to create a process of rapidly realizing a product.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W. Pennisi
- 👤 Glenn F. Urbish
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 03:47
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/18; G05B19/4097; G05B19/4099; B; B33; B33Y; B33Y50/00; B33Y50/02; B33Y80/00; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/35; G05B2219/35019; G05B2219/35028; G05B2219/49; G05B2219/49008; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P90/00; Y02P90/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for optimally realizing a product, comprising: creating a first set of data corresponding to the product; defining a set of constraints for the product; determining an optimum path through a plurality of manufacturing operations that is based on the set of constraints; identifying the manufacturing operations that are on the optimum path and defining a precedence relationship between the identified operations; transforming the first set of data into a second set of data based on the defined precedence relationship to generate a directed data flow between the identified operations; and directing the second set of data between the identified operations in accordance with the directed data flow, whereby each of the identified operations performs an activity to optimally manufacture the product.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for optimally realizing a product, comprising: creating a first set of data corresponding to the product; defining a set of constraints for the product; determining an optimum path through a plurality of manufacturing operations that is based on the set of constraints; identifying the manufacturing operations that are on the optimum path and defining a precedence relationship between the identified operations; transforming the first set of data into a second set of data based on the defined precedence relationship to generate a directed data flow between the identified operations; and directing the second set of data between the identified operations in accordance with the directed data flow, whereby each of the identified operations performs an activity to optimally manufacture the product.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein the step of determining an optimum path comprises: evaluating each of the manufacturing operations based on the set of constraints; and choosing one or more of the evaluated operations.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein the step of identifying the manufacturing operations on the optimum path further comprises defining a set of interconnected relationships between the identified operations.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein the step of creating a first set of data comprises creating a computer model of the product.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as described in claim 4, wherein the computer model is a solids model.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein the step of determining an optimum path comprises evaluating individual operations in the plurality of operations and determining whether a function performed by that individual operation is required to realize the product.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as described in claim 6, further comprising estimating the time required to perform the operation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as described in claim 7, further comprising determining the availability of each of the operations.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein the step of determining an optimum path comprises estimating the cost required to perform the operation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein the step of determining an optimum path comprises selecting a single manufacturing operation from among a plurality of manufacturing operations that perform a similar function.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein the set of constraints includes one or more constraints selected from the group consisting of the number of units of realized product that are desired, the quality of the realized product, the cost of the realized product, and the amount of time required to realize the product.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein the set of constraints is based in part on the first set of data.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
141 words
A process for designing and optimally fabricating a plastic object, comprising the steps of: creating a model of the object using a databank in a digital computer; defining a set of constraints for the object; determining an optimum path through a plurality of manufacturing processes using the defined set of constraints; selecting from the plurality of manufacturing processes those processes that lie on the optimum path and defining a precedence relationship between the selected processes to create a set of interconnected activities; transforming the databank into a second databank that contains information that is usable by each of the selected processes, and sending the information to each of the selected processes; and performing an activity at each selected process in accordance with the defined precedence relationship, whereby an output of the last one of the selected processes is the plastic object.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
141 words
A process for designing and optimally fabricating a plastic object, comprising the steps of: creating a model of the object using a databank in a digital computer; defining a set of constraints for the object; determining an optimum path through a plurality of manufacturing processes using the defined set of constraints; selecting from the plurality of manufacturing processes those processes that lie on the optimum path and defining a precedence relationship between the selected processes to create a set of interconnected activities; transforming the databank into a second databank that contains information that is usable by each of the selected processes, and sending the information to each of the selected processes; and performing an activity at each selected process in accordance with the defined precedence relationship, whereby an output of the last one of the selected processes is the plastic object.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
103 words
A rapid product realization process, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; fabricating a master part that is a physical representation of the product using a machine responsive to the second databank; fabricating a mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by filling the mold tool cavity with a plastic resin.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
103 words
A rapid product realization process, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; fabricating a master part that is a physical representation of the product using a machine responsive to the second databank; fabricating a mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by filling the mold tool cavity with a plastic resin.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process is described in claim 14, wherein the step of fabricating a master part comprises using stereolithography or CNC machining.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process as described in claim 15, wherein the mold tool is fabricated from the master part by casting a tool using room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber or by spray metal technology.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
99 words
A rapid product realization process, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; fabricating a mold tool using a CNC machine or a stereolithography apparatus responsive to the second databank, the mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by filling the mold tool cavity with a plastic resin.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
99 words
A rapid product realization process, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; fabricating a mold tool using a CNC machine or a stereolithography apparatus responsive to the second databank, the mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by filling the mold tool cavity with a plastic resin.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
96 words
A rapid product realization process, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; adding information representative of internal features of the product to the second databank; fabricating a mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by filling the mold tool cavity with a plastic resin.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
96 words
A rapid product realization process, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; adding information representative of internal features of the product to the second databank; fabricating a mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by filling the mold tool cavity with a plastic resin.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
89 words
A rapid product realization process, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product by inputting information into a computer, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; fabricating a mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by filling the mold tool cavity with a plastic resin.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
89 words
A rapid product realization process, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product by inputting information into a computer, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; fabricating a mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by filling the mold tool cavity with a plastic resin.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
94 words
A rapid product realization process, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; fabricating a mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by filling the mold tool cavity with a plastic resin by means of reaction injection molding or high pressure injection molding.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
94 words
A rapid product realization process, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; fabricating a mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by filling the mold tool cavity with a plastic resin by means of reaction injection molding or high pressure injection molding.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process as described in claim 20, wherein the step of fabricating the product comprises molding using a plastic resin having an added coloring agent.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
139 words
A process for rapidly realizing a product from concept to finished parts, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; fabricating a master part that is a physical representation of the product using the second databank to fabricate a master part using stereolithography or computer numeric controlled machining; fabricating a mold tool from the master part by casting a tool using room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber or by flame spraying, the mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by injection molding plastic resin into the mold tool cavity.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
139 words
A process for rapidly realizing a product from concept to finished parts, comprising the steps of: creating a first computer databank representative of a surface model of the product, the databank containing information about the exterior of the product; translating the surface model into a solid model by processing the first databank to create a second databank that is a solid model of the product; fabricating a master part that is a physical representation of the product using the second databank to fabricate a master part using stereolithography or computer numeric controlled machining; fabricating a mold tool from the master part by casting a tool using room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber or by flame spraying, the mold tool having a cavity representative of the product; and fabricating the product by injection molding plastic resin into the mold tool cavity.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
50 words
The rapid product realization process as described in claim 22, further comprising a step of adding information representative of internal features of the product to the second databank, after the step of translating the surface model into a solid model and prior to the step of fabricating a master part.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as described in claim 1, wherein the second set of data is transformed into a third set of data that is used by an identified operation to perform an activity to optimally manufacture the product.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-08-18 | 2001-02-17 | 2001-08-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-08-18 | 2005-02-17 | 2005-08-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-08-18 | 2009-02-17 | 2009-08-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |