Definition and Evaluation of Induced Geometry for Design

Abstract Certain classes of parts include geometry that is inadequately addressed in current product definition standards. In some cases, the form of this geometry needs to be specified independently from the surface details. Examples of this include formed screens and meshes, as well as “rigidized” sheet metal components, tubular structures, and additively manufactured lattices. In each of these cases, the important functional geometry is related to a series of contact points or mid-points that are intended to conform to the designed profile. This paper seeks to more carefully examine the challenges associated with this geometry and the specifications needed to define and control it, and it reviews existing tools and techniques that may be applicable in meeting these challenges.