Mechanical Patents (Class 703/7)
  • Patent number: 7024343
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating a mathematical model of a component using prototype full-field experimentally collected deformation/strain data. Specifically, the method involves obtaining actual experimental field data using strain sensitive coating material and then mapping said data on a CAD mesh model. The analytical mesh model is then compared to a finite element model that is based on theoretical values referred to as boundary conditions. The finite element model boundary conditions are then calibrated to reflect the values derived from the experimental field measurements. Once calibrated, the model can be used to optimize design of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Wissam H. El-Ratal
  • Patent number: 7024344
    Abstract: Method for calculating a deformation of a physical body under a load by forming virtual first to n-th material agents and boundary agents. A predetermined load is transmitted from the virtual first material agent to the virtual second to n-th material agents and to the boundary agents based on a material property and a strain characteristic of the physical body along a load direction and orthogonal to the load direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Nihon University
    Inventor: Yasukazu Nishi
  • Patent number: 7020597
    Abstract: A method for improving drilling performance of a drilling tool assembly is disclosed. The method includes identifying a drilling performance parameter to be improved. One or more potential solutions are defined to improve the drilling performance parameter. A drilling simulation is performed to determine the dynamic response of the drilling tool assembly during a drilling operation. Determining the dynamic response includes determining the interaction of a cutting element of a drill bit with an earth formation. Improvement in the drilling performance parameter is determined based upon the drilling simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart R. Oliver, Sujian Huang, Luis C. Paez, Halle Aslaksen
  • Patent number: 7020596
    Abstract: A method for forming complex contoured torque converter components with slots. A two dimensional blank is developed that will allow for the piercing of slots into a torque converter component while the blank is still essentially planar, as it proceeds through a progressive die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randy Lee Miller, Thomas William Thompson, Alfred Balacan Victoria, Dean Bernard Bruewer, Lawrence Jensen Budge
  • Patent number: 7020595
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing module-based diagnostics are described. In an exemplary embodiment, sensor values from an actual engine plant are input to an engine component quality estimator which generates performance estimates of major rotating components. Estimated performance differences are generating by comparing the generated performance estimates to a nominal quality engine. The estimated performance differences, which are indicative of component quality, are continuously updated and input to a real-time model of the engine. The model receives operating conditional data and the quality estimates are used to adjust the nominal values in the model to more closely match the model values to the actual plant. Outputs from the engine model are virtual parameters, such as stall margins, specific fuel consumption, and fan/compressor/turbine efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sridhar Adibhatla, Malcolm J. Ashby
  • Patent number: 7016825
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for predicting the failure of a component using a probabilistic model of a material's microstructural-based response to fatigue. The method predicts the component failure by a computer simulation of multiple incarnations of real material behavior, or virtual prototyping. The virtual prototyping simulates the effects of characteristics that include grain size, grain orientation, micro-applied stress and micro-yield strength that are difficult to simulate with real specimens. The invention provides an apparatus for predicting the response of a component to fatigue using the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Vextec Corporation
    Inventor: Robert G. Tryon, III
  • Patent number: 7013249
    Abstract: A method for predicting the location of stress corrosion cracking in a steel gas pipeline in which in-line stress corrosion cracking smart tool data, external low level metal loss data and soil characterization data are compiled to predict the location of stress corrosion cracking in a steel gas pipeline segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Davis
  • Patent number: 7010926
    Abstract: A system and method for determining thermal performance of a condensing unit includes selecting the condensing unit from a condensing unit database and a compressor from a compressor database. Condensing unit characteristics and compressor characteristics are processed based on simulation points to provide thermal performance data for the condensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay Bahel, Altaf Hossain
  • Patent number: 7013248
    Abstract: A method for estimating the relative speed factor parameter for a variable speed pump in a hydraulic network sufficient to maintain a fixed pressure at a control node is provided. A desired operating characteristic is determined and this is inserted into a matrix of equations describing the hydraulic system. The largely symmetrical matrix includes certain aspects of the system representing the variable speed pumps which are non-symmetrical. Non-symmetrical portions of the matrix are separated out and solved using an LU factorization technique. Non-sparse, non symmetric matrices are generated and the difference in head correction is solved for to compute the updated nodal head vector and ultimately determine the variable pump speed parameter. The invention allows estimation of the variable speed factor for a variable speed pump drive sufficient to maintain a fixed pressure at a control node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Haestad Methods, Inc.
    Inventors: Ezio Todini, Michael E. Tryby, Jack S. Cook, Thomas M. Walski, Robert F. Mankowski
  • Patent number: 7010472
    Abstract: A knowledge driven composite design optimization process for designing a laminate part includes steps for generating a globally optimized 3-D ply definition for a laminate part, and modifying the 3-D ply definition to include features of the laminate part, where the generating and modifying steps are parametrically linked to one another and are performed in the recited order. Preferably, the generating step includes substeps for determining connectivity between a plurality of regions defining the laminate part, subsequently generating ramp features detailing interconnection of the regions defining the laminate part, and displaying views and corresponding tabular data describing the laminate part and illustrating both inter-region connectivity and the ramp features as specified by a user. A knowledge driven composite design optimization system and associated computer memory for operating a general purpose computer as a knowledge driven composite design optimization system are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Virginia M. Vasey-Glandon, Duane Kunkee
  • Patent number: 7010473
    Abstract: A mechanical design reuse method includes having a CAD tool replicates a subset of a first modeling representation of a first mechanical design, in response to having received instructions that identify a subpart of the first mechanical design. The reuse method further includes having the CAD tool merges the replicated subset into a second modeling representation of a second mechanical design to effectuate the reuse of the identified subpart of the first mechanical design in the second mechanical design. In one embodiment, the modeling representations are dependent graphs, and the subsets being replicated and merged are sub-graphs of the dependent graphs. The dependent graphs and sub-graphs include nodes directly associated with the subparts of the designs, nodes on which the directly associated nodes are dependent, and arcs linking the nodes together in accordance with their dependency on each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventor: Kapil D. Singh
  • Patent number: 7010474
    Abstract: A simulation system for generating a predicted performance for fabricated parts comprises a rheological degradation database for storing rheological degradation data for associated materials, a mechanical degradation database for storing mechanical degradation data for associated materials and a computer coupled to the rheological degradation database and the mechanical degradation database for computing part performance predictions for a respective material with a predetermined geometry under predetermined processing conditions, partially based on the rheological degradation data and the mechanical degradation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hsin-Pang Wang, Sreeganesh Ramaswamy, Irene Dris, Erin Marie Perry, Dongming Gao
  • Patent number: 7006953
    Abstract: A dynamic equivalent load P is calculated from data information of a rolling bearing. Next, a reliability coefficient a1 is determined, a lubrication parameter aL corresponding to a used lubricant is calculated, and a contamination degree coefficient ac is determined in consideration of a material coefficient. A fatigue limit load Pu is calculated on the basis of the data information. Thereafter, a load parameter {(P?Pu)/C}·1/ac is calculated. On the basis of the lubrication parameter aL and the load parameter {(P?Pu)/C}·1/ac, a life correction coefficient aNSK is calculated with reference to a life correction coefficient calculation map. The bearing life LA is calculated by LA=a1·aNSK·(C/P)p.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Takemura, Yasuo Murakami
  • Patent number: 7006958
    Abstract: A method for controlling distortion of a material during a weld process. The method includes modeling the weld process of the material, determining distortions produced by the weld process, determining a plurality of simulated induced distortions in the model to offset the produced distortions, generating a plurality of actual induced distortions in the material as a function of the simulated induced distortions, and performing the weld process on the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crilly, Yi Dong, Keith A. Herman, Yuping Yang, Frederick W. Brust, Wayne R. Tanner
  • Patent number: 7002585
    Abstract: 3-D models of various types of objects such as a robot body, and a peripheral equipment, a machine, a part (workpiece), of the robot, are stored in an object library in advance. Dimension line data of an edge line of which dimension can be changed, and constraint condition for constraining coordinate positions of apexes which can be changed are also stored in the object library. A model having the shape corresponding to the shape of the object to be used is selected from the object library, and the dimension of the shape is set. The dimension of the selected model is modified so that the shape of the model corresponds to the shape of the actual object. Using the model of which dimension was adjusted, animation motion of the robot is formed on a display screen. With the above arrangement, it is possible to easily set and change object 3-D models relating to a robot motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Fanuc LTD
    Inventors: Atsushi Watanabe, Tetsuya Kosaka, Yoshiharu Nagatsuka
  • Patent number: 6996506
    Abstract: A Process and device for displacing a moveable unit on a base. The process includes: a) a force (F) is determined which, applied to the moveable unit (4), produces a combined effect, on the one hand, on the moveable unit (4) so that it exactly carries out the envisaged displacement on the base (2), especially as regards the prescribed duration and prescribed distance of the displacement, and, on the other hand, on the elements (MA1, MA2, MA3, 4) brought into motion by this displacement so that all these elements are immobile at the end of said displacement of the moveable unit (4); and b) the force (F) thus determined is applied to the moveable unit (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Newport Corporation
    Inventors: Van Diep Nguyen, Jean Levine
  • Patent number: 6996503
    Abstract: A system and method for taking-off material details using a two-dimensional CAD interface for estimating a bill of materials and automatically creating a material take-off list for items in a two or three-dimensional design drawing, without manual work. The taken-off list information is provided on-line upon receiving an order for an information provision service through a communication network, such as the internet. The system is applicable, for example, in architecture, civil engineering, machinery, and facilities. The system comprises: a project information containing unit for containing project information including position data, design specifications, and shape data for a variety of design items; a material/cost containing unit for containing material information and cost information for building elements included in a CAD drawing; and a bill-of-material take-off processing unit for creating a material take-off list and the associated cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: El-Con System Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pyoung-Young Jung
  • Patent number: 6985835
    Abstract: Computer implemented techniques for edge correlation between design objects in computer-aided design systems are provided. According to one embodiment, a source edge is exported from a source CAD system into a data representation in a global scene. The global scene is imported into a target CAD system so that one or more candidate target edges can be identified. Once the candidate target edges are identified, they are exported into a data representation of a local scene. Through a series of techniques, which can include an edge overlap algorithm, a region containment algorithm, an edge containment algorithm, and an edge extension algorithm, non-overlapping candidate target edges are removed from the local scene until a correlated set of target edges is produced. Design features, such a round or chamfer operation, can then be performed in the target CAD system on the correlated set of edges, just as they are in the source CAD system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Proficiency Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Michal Etzion, Steven Spitz
  • Patent number: 6985840
    Abstract: Described herein is a system for verifying that a circuit described by a hardware description language file has a property of responding to an antecedent event represented by a particular pattern in its input signals by exhibiting a consequent behavior of producing a particular pattern in its output signals during a finite time following the antecedent event. The system includes a conventional circuit simulator for simulating the behavior of the circuit under conditions defined by a user-provided test bench. The simulator produces output waveform data representing the behavior of the circuit input, output and internal signals, including signals representing the circuit's state. When the output waveform data indicates the antecedent event has occurred, the system determines the current state of the circuit from the waveform data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Novas Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Chin Hsu, Furshing Tsai, Tayung Liu
  • Patent number: 6983232
    Abstract: Methods and tools for quickly and accurately performing complex customer benefit modeling for an electronic components assembly system are disclosed. In one embodiment, predefined user interfaces allow a consultant, customers, salespersons, or line designers to input a line configuration by selecting from a list predefined objects that represent specific line components. In addition, the user inputs other line configuration data specific to the line being configured. The information contained in the user interface is extracted for use a discrete event simulator. Templates for simulation objects may be created in advance and populated with data from the input interface. A simulation is built and run. Simulation results may be exported to an output means, which may allow for custom generated reports. The reporting means may include a means for allowing customer specific information and data to be inputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Dematic Electronic Assembly Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Tuan Nguyen, Anthony Peter Duck, Ian Rawles, Thomas Mair, Robert Gray
  • Patent number: 6983190
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for efficiently modeling the situation where a product manufactured within a multi-stage manufacturing system has components upstream in the supply chain which may substitute for one another. The invention selectively permits substitutions based on rules associated with downstream operations or customer shipments. One component may substitute for another provided that the assembly consuming the component belongs to a certain set of assemblies. The invention also encompasses a method by which this can be integrated into a production planning system based on a linear programming (LP) model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Trevor Denton, Robert John Milne
  • Patent number: 6980939
    Abstract: The method and system of the present invention allow a designer of a mechanical system to quickly and easily determine the optimal design for the system. The steps include creating models of the mechanical system and simulating the performance of the models to achieve a set of results. From these results, Response Surface Models can be determined. These Response Surface Models act as surrogates for the more complex models of the mechanical system, and can be used to optimize the performance of the system. If necessary or desired, these Response Surface Models can be optimized over a range of possible values for the design parameters to achieve a robust design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Anil Kumar Dhir, Scott Patrick Crane
  • Patent number: 6978220
    Abstract: A computerized method is disclosed for determining the size and location effects of simulated or manufactured features on an object, determining the transformation of a pattern of features, determining usable feature size within a pattern of features, and determining the remaining feature tolerances. The simulated or manufactured position of a pattern of features is used to determine how to translate a tolerance zone framework. Positional errors and remaining feature tolerances are determined relative to the translated design framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Bruce A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6978230
    Abstract: Vertices of an annotation are projected onto a surface of a (2D or 3D) model and reconnected to preserve the original appearance of the annotation. The result of our method is a new set of geometry for the annotation that geometrically conforms to the surface of the model. A plane is defined by the midpoint of the original line segment and the two projected vertices. This plane is used to create the new line segments that conform to the surface, e.g. by doing a “surface walk” between the projected points along the line defined by the intersection of the plane and the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James T. Klosowski, Frank Suits, William P. Horn, Gerard Lecina
  • Patent number: 6975962
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a condition of a monitored system. Estimates of monitored parameters from a model of the system provide residual values that can be analyzed using a sequential probability ratio test (“SPRT”). The invention employs empirically derived distributions in the SPRT to provide more accurate and sensitive alerts of impending faults, breakdowns and process deviations. The distributions can be generated from piecewise continuous approximation or spline functions based on the actual distribution of residual data to provide improved computational performance. The distributions can be provided before monitoring, or can be updated and determined during monitoring in an adaptive fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: SmartSignal Corporation
    Inventors: Stephan W. Wegerich, Robert Matthew Pipke
  • Patent number: 6959269
    Abstract: A system and method for simulating a flow field are disclosed. A grid having cells is generated. Each cell is associated with a set of variables that describe a flow field. A value for each variable of each cell is calculated from a previous value at each period for a predetermined number of periods. The calculated values for each variable are averaged to yield an averaged value for each variable. A flow field is determined from the averaged values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Tracy J. Welterlen
  • Patent number: 6954725
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for setting analysis conditions for multi-physics analysis for analyzing an object model with a plurality of different types of physical simulation models. The method comprises the step of; setting the physical models for element groups constituting the object model; searching boundaries in the object model corresponding to the set element groups; reflecting the physical models of the element groups at the boundaries on a screen for setting analysis conditions for the boundaries; and setting analysis conditions for the boundaries on the screen for the reflected boundaries. Using the principle that a group and the boundaries of that group share the common properties of a physical model, the boundaries corresponding to a group are automatically searched and its analysis conditions are set on a screen when the physical models are set, so that the correlation between the group and the boundaries is reflected on a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Koichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6950790
    Abstract: A method of processing seismic data using a seismic energy propagation model of the subsurface is disclosed. The method assigns seismic source, seismic receiver, and reflection point locations to the propagation model; identifies a plurality of alternative raypaths consistent with the propagation model that originate at said seismic source location, reflect at said reflection point location, and terminate at said seismic receiver location; selects a raypath from the plurality of alternative raypaths having a shortest ray length, and utilizes the selected raypath in subsequent seismic processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Westerngeco, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David Edward Nichols
  • Patent number: 6944583
    Abstract: A computer program executes a simulation. The computer program includes a plurality of service programs, where the service programs are configured to collectively determine simulated attributes of objects of an environment under simulated operation. Each service is associated with at least a subset of object attributes in an object database. Furthermore, each service is executing at a rate independent of the other services, and at least some of the services access and operate upon object attributes, from the object database, with which the service is associated. A write queue program is associated with each service, to queue write requests from the service to write determined simulated attributes to the object database. Nodes coordinate execution of the queued requests to cause the determined simulated attributes to be written to the object database in a manner such that each service has a coherent view of all the object attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Centric Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Askins, Ronald A. MacCracken, Randy J. Fox, Kent O. I. Ohlund
  • Patent number: 6941249
    Abstract: A computerized method of virtual flowbench simulation of fluid flow interaction with an object described in at least one design file includes receiving user-defined input via a user interface, the user-defined input including a specification of the at least one design file, accessing the at least one design file, and accessing a generic template describing basic geometries of the object, and modifying the basic geometries of the object with the at least one design file. Automatically, surface and volume mesh are generated in the object, and fluid flow interaction with the object is simulated. Predetermined data parameters are measured and stored during simulation. The method automatically checks the predetermined data parameter measurements to determine whether steady state has been reached and whether a predetermined maximum number of time steps has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald H. Miller, Gary S. Strumolo
  • Patent number: 6931364
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique of volume detailing a building structure that allow for the consideration of the positioning of various structural and non-structural components. Initially, a three dimensional building structure volume is created. Next, a three dimensional component is positioned at a desired location in the three dimensional building structure volume. Finally, the three dimensional building structure volume is sectioned at a point of interest to provide a building structure profile that includes a component profiled if the three dimensional component extends through the point of interest. In another embodiment, a plurality of additional component profiles are placed within the building structure profile at the point of interest such that the additional component profiles do not interfere with one another or interfere with the component profile of the three dimensional component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: G. Douglas Anturna
  • Patent number: 6931367
    Abstract: A method is provided for designing deformations that will achieve an optimum reduction in vibration related noise in an exhaust system component. The method entails defining an initial shape for an exhaust system component based on available space and exhaust flow characteristics. The shape is converted to a mesh having a plurality of interconnected grids. The mesh then is deformed to define an optimal theoretical configuration for the exhaust system component that will eliminate at least selected natural frequencies. The resulting shape then is converted to a plurality of small flat surfaces that intersect, and a point cloud is created from the array of small flat intersecting surfaces of the optimal theoretical exhaust system component. The point cloud is employed to smooth out intersecting surfaces and to achieve an optimal manufacturable configuration for the exhaust system component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Faurecia Exhaust Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Harwood
  • Patent number: 6928400
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for designing a deployment mechanism for a flight surface on an airborne body, including the steps of determining a stowed position of the flight surface, determining a deployed position of the flight surface, identifying a first rotation axis and respective rotation angle and a second rotation axis and respective rotation angle about and through which the flight surface is rotatable in sequence to move the flight surface from the stowed position to the deployed position, or vice versa, and using the identified first and second rotation axes and rotation angles to determine a single equivalent rotation axis and angle, about and through which the flight surface can be rotated from the stowed position to the deployed position, or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Rudolph A. Eisentraut, Edgar R. Melkers
  • Patent number: 6917907
    Abstract: A method at power steering hose assembly design and analysis for a power steering system in a vehicle includes the steps of selecting a mesh model of a design for a power steering system having a power steering hose assembly, selecting a predetermined characteristic of the power steering system for a predetermined operating condition, performing an acoustic analysis on the mesh mocel using the predetermined characteristic and determining an acoustic response cf the power steering hose assembly from the acoustic analysis. The method further includes the steps of determining a noise transmission loss across the power steering hose assembly using the acoustic response, determining whether the transmission loss meets a predetermined noise criteria and modifying a design parameter for the power steering system if the transmission loss does not meet a predetermine noise criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Morris Hsi, Chris Brown, Christian Fernholz, John Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6915244
    Abstract: A method in which engineers having no experience and technical storage can preliminarily easily and accurately predict an amount of dimensional accuracy defect which occurs at the time of press-forming a metal sheet before press-forming without having expertise such numerical value simulations and mathematics. In predicting an amount of dimensional accuracy defect at the time of press-forming a metal sheet, as a stress-strain relationship, an elastic-perfectly plastic solid model having a fixed stress value after being yielded is adopted and a value which is equal to or less than a tensile strength and exceeds a yield strength is used as an apparent yield strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamano, Jiro Iwaya
  • Patent number: 6912489
    Abstract: A simulation device for simulating images of at least one building includes a display (62) for displaying the images; an input (63, 64) for a user to input data; a memory (65) including a first memory field containing a layout (40) of the at least one building, which layout (40) contains references to all the utility spaces forming the layout, together with their performance characteristics, a second memory field containing a model (50) of the at least one building, which model (50) contains references to both physical and financial data of all the components forming the model, a processor (61) for: computing and showing elevations of and/or sections through the building, working from the layout of the model; calculating and showing the total expected investment costs and running costs for the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Aluvisions B.V.
    Inventor: Adriaan Luitwieler
  • Patent number: 6907391
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for designing an energy-absorbing impact zone for a vehicle interior, including acquiring test data representative of an occupant, determining a force versus deflection curve for the vehicle impact zone, analyzing the force versus deflection curve, and utilizing the analysis to adjust the stiffness of the energy-absorbing impact zone and to shape the force versus deflection curve so that a constant area under the force versus deflection curve has the minimum deflection possible without exceeding a certain force limit and a certain head impact criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Val A. Bellora, Ryan W. Krauss, Martin Lambrecht, Lambert J. Van Poolen, Paul E. Thoma
  • Patent number: 6904395
    Abstract: A system and method of generating a finite element mesh for a threaded fastener and joining structure assembly includes a computer system for generating a mesh model of the threaded fastener and joining structure assembly by creating nodes and elements for each non-threaded portion of the threaded fastener and joining structure assembly using cylindrical coordinates and creating nodes and elements for each threaded portion of the threaded fastener and joining structure assembly using helical coordinates. The system and method also includes a user evaluating the mesh model of the threaded fastener and joining structure assembly using finite element analysis and evaluating a result of the finite element analysis using a visualization software program and a computer system. The system and method further includes a user predicting a stress of the threaded fastener and joining structure assembly from the evaluation of the result of the finite element analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. DeJack, David G. Strenski, Paul R. Kinney
  • Patent number: 6904392
    Abstract: In CAD/CAM/CAE/PDM systems in which three dimensional objects are display along with two dimensional annotations, a method and system is described for assisting the user in selecting a location for placement of the annotation on the object so that it annotates the proper portion of the object and complies with applicable standards. The system displays through highlighting or other visual means a set of points on the object to which the leader line of an annotation may be connected so that the annotation meets the requirements of applicable standards. The user may select any one of the location points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Dassault Systemes
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Marty, Dominique Gaunet
  • Patent number: 6901356
    Abstract: The invention provides a simulation apparatus by which a problem upon designing can be found in the designing stage on the upstream without imposing an unnecessary working time to a designer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Yuichi Arita
  • Patent number: 6898560
    Abstract: Restructuring a CAD-system generated design model includes receiving at a computer a command to restructure the design model. The command to restructure indicates a desired change in a hierarchical relationship of a first subset of the model's components with respect to other model components. In accordance with the command to restructure, a new hierarchical data structure can be generated. The new hierarchical data structure identifies a new hierarchical relationship between the model components. Other relationships that are changed as a result of the command to restructure are also determined and are automatically preserved subsequent to the generation of the new hierarchical relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: SolidWorks Corporation
    Inventor: Jyoti Das
  • Patent number: 6895334
    Abstract: Optical properties with high non-linearity such as a modulation transfer function (MTF) are efficiently optimized at high speed compared to conventional methods. An optimal solution of an optical system is obtained in a first optimization unit using a merit function on aberration. Weights or target values of the merit function on aberration is automatically adjusted in a second optimization unit in a manner that an evaluated value of the MTF or the like approaches a desired value. The first optimization unit re-optimizes the optical system using the weights or target values which have been automatically adjusted. Thus, automated is a function equivalent to the operation which has been conducted by a designer such as adjustment to weights or target values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Yabe
  • Patent number: 6889176
    Abstract: A method for automatically reconstructing topographical information for a given mesh, altering the mesh by introducing, deleting, or splitting existing polygons when needed. An OctTree space decomposition is used to achieve a log2-complexity search method to find the closest vertex in the polygonal soup to a given point in space. Linear complexities are used to find triangles connected to a given vertex and all triangles connected to a given triangle. The triangles are split to enforce conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Paul Joseph Stewart
  • Patent number: 6876958
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods of selecting cases in which to pack items in an item order and selecting the sequence and configuration of placement of items into the selected cases. One such method includes examining an order comprising a list of items to be packed, determining the cases available for packing, determining the minimum number of cases required for packing the items in the list of items to be packed, selecting a case to be packed with one or more of the items in the list of items to be packed, wherein said selecting a case comprises determining a desired average volume per case and selecting the smallest of the cases available to be packed that comprises a volume in excess of the average volume per case, and determining the configuration of placement in the case to be packed of items in the list of items to be packed. Such steps may be repeated until all items in the item list are selected and configured for packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: New Breed Corporations
    Inventors: Ashfaque Chowdhury, Richard F. Lane, Jennifer Janke
  • Patent number: 6873946
    Abstract: A method for presenting a graphic user interface (GUI) facilitating generation of selected ones of a Euler grid and a Navier-Stokes grid from a single set of predetermined parameters includes step for defining the geometry of a vehicle to be tested, defining the environment in which the vehicle is to tested, generating the selected ones of the Euler grid and the Navier-Stokes grid responsive the set of predetermined parameters generated in two defining steps, and post-processing the output of the generating step. Computer readable instructions for permitting a general purpose computer to instantiate a graphic user interface (GUI) generating selected ones of a Euler grid and a Navier-Stokes grid from a single set of predetermined parameters and a storage medium storing the computer readable instructions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: David F. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6873947
    Abstract: A method for simulating the drilling performance of a roller cone bit drilling an earth formation may be used to generate a visual representation of drilling, to design roller cone drill bits, and to optimize the drilling performance of a roller cone bit. The method for generating a visual representation of a roller cone bit drilling earth formations includes selecting bit design parameters, selecting drilling parameters, and selecting an earth formation to be drilled. The method further includes calculating, from the bit design parameters, drilling parameters and earth formation, parameters of a crater formed when one of a plurality of cutting elements contacts the earth formation. The method further includes calculating a bottomhole geometry, wherein the crater is removed from a bottomhole surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sujian Huang, Chris E. Cawthrone
  • Patent number: 6873944
    Abstract: A method of real time collision detection between geometric models includes the steps of identifying a current tracking point of a force feedback device colliding with a mesh model of the geometric model and identifying a current triangle associated with the current tracking point, wherein the force feedback device is operatively connected to a computer system. The method also includes the steps of determining a new tracking point of the force feedback device colliding with the mesh model by approximating the new tracking point from the current tracking point and the current triangle, and determining a state of the new tracking point and a known state using the new tracking point and the state of the previous tracking point, wherein the state is inside, on an edge or on a vertex of either the current triangle or a new triangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Paul J. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6873945
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a device which is inert and “thermally-equivalent” to actual ordnance. The device can travel with live ordnance and track the propellant temperatures in order to get a more precise propellant temperature for the ordnance. The device comprises a thermally equivalent inert grain instrumented with thermocouples, connected to a data recorder, and packaged in scaled-down ordnance hardware. The hardware is scaled down to enable the device to more easily travel with live munitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Ross, Conan R. Schultz, Michael K Oetjen
  • Patent number: 6871109
    Abstract: The present invention provides a die design support method and system capable of reducing the time-period required for a die design, allowing an unskilled die engineer to perform a die design without difficulties, and coping with a product design change in a short time-period. A standard die design procedure is stored as “master die data” in advance using a function of a CAD system or the like. When a product design data is entered, the design procedure is automatically executed to the design data in accordance with the stored master die data. Preferably, the entire master die data is divided into a plurality of processes, such as a process of creating a scaling model, and a process of creating a parting model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: INCS, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinjiro Yamada, Seiki Sato, Atsuo Suzuki, Takao Ikeda, Katsuji Iwasaki, Daichi Ninagawa, Kazuhiro Kuwahara, Junya Uramoto, Atsushi Miyadera, Atsushi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 6862560
    Abstract: A machining simulation method using a plurality of equally sized regular volumes such as cubes to represent the surface of a raw stock object at a relatively low resolution. Each regular volume contains a reference to that portion of the original stock surface falling within that regular volume. The regular volumes affected by the swept volume of each tool movement are readily determined, and a pointer to that tool movement is added to each affected regular volume. The finished data may be expanded in detail at any portion of interest to create fully realised surface geometry with full boundary information by combining the original stock surface and the relevant surfaces of each tool movement. The original stock object may be displayed using the low-resolution regular volumes from any convenient view point, and may be animated in real time to show the effects of each tool movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: MachineWorks Limited
    Inventors: William Richard Victor Edwards, Fenquian Lin