Modeling skin-covered robotics devices including artistic digital iterative design processes
US9403099B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2010 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C39/025
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for fabricating a product, such as an animatronic character, with artificial skin. The method includes providing data defining an exterior surface geometry of the product. A base geometry model of the product is generated based on the exterior surface geometry data, which in turn is used to fabricate a prototype of the product. Then, an exterior skin mold is formed using the product prototype mounted on an alignment block. The method includes fabricating an inner support structure based on the base geometry model having an exterior geometry smaller than the 3D base geometry model by the thickness of the exterior skin. The inner support structure is positioned within the mold with the inner support structure mounted upon the alignment block, which is received in the mold. The product is formed by pouring material for an exterior skin layer into the mold and over the inner support structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.