System and method for automatic support device generation

Abstract

The automatic support device generation method includes: receiving a virtual part; determining a retention direction for the virtual part; determining a retention rotation for the virtual part; and constructing a support device based on the part, the retention rotation, and the retention direction.

1 . A method for automated fixture generation, comprising:
 receiving a virtual part, the virtual part comprising a plurality of virtual features;   determining a set of potential part orientations;   for each potential part orientation of the set:
 determining a retention side of the virtual part based on the orientation; 
 generating a virtual fixture based on the virtual features extending from the retention side; and 
 determining a confidence score for the virtual fixture; 
   selecting an orientation from the set of potential part orientations based on the confidence score for the corresponding virtual fixture; and   generating machining instructions for manufacturing a physical analog of the virtual part based on the orientation.