WO2021181135A1

WO2021181135A1 - Method and system for facilitating production of a package custom designed to contain one or more parts

Info

Publication number: WO2021181135A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/052195
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gal Raz
Original assignee: Siemens Industry Software Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-03-12
Filing date: 2020-03-12
Publication date: 2021-09-16

Abstract

Systems and a method for facilitating production of a custom designed package to contain one or more parts. Inputs on part property data of a set of parts to be contained within a package to be custom designed are received; wherein the part property data comprises at least geometry data of the part set. A design option selection of package property data depending on the part property data is determined; wherein the package property data comprise package size data and package structure data. A design option selection of placement configuration data of the part set within the package is determined based on a selected option of package property data and on the part property data. Emboss feature data to be designed for part identification purposes on one or more package outer surfaces are determined based on a selected option of placement configuration data and on the part geometry data. 3D printing data is generated for 3D printing the custom designed package including the surface emboss feature data.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING PRODUCTION OF A PACKAGE CUSTOM DESIGNED TO CONTAIN ONE OR MORE PARTS

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present disclosure is directed, in general, to computer-aided design, visualization, and manufacturing (“CAD”) systems, product lifecycle management (“PLM”) systems, product data management (“PDM”) systems, and similar systems, that manage data for products and other items (collectively, “Product Data Management” systems or PDM systems). More specifically, the disclosure is directed to systems related to additive manufacturing or three-dimensional (“3D”) printing.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Digitally manufactured parts, as for example parts which are manufactured from CAD data files, may come in various shapes and sizes and this fact may present several packaging challenges to the part manufacturer. [0003] A first challenging process consists in sorting and in identifying the manufacturing parts to be packaged.

[0004] Another challenging process consists in determining packages suitable to the parts, with optimized materials and optimized sizes in term of protection level standards and resources. [0005] Another challenging process consists in managing the inventory of package boxes and of packaging materials of various sizes and shapes.

[0006] Another challenging process consists in package labeling, e.g. by marking the packages with stickers or ink.

[0007] Other challenging processes are custom package designing and efficient package producing. [0008] Such packaging related processes have a large impact for the part manufacturer in term of lead manufacturing time, order fulfillment time and order delivery quality.

[0009] Usually, sorting and identifying of manufactured parts to fulfil an order is done by comparing the manufactured part to a 2D image or drawing. This practice may unfortunately lead to a time-consuming process with possible identification mistakes.

[0010] As regards packaging, personnel at the manufacturing site are typically using the best fitting package available within the stock inventory of cardboards and protected envelops. Also this practice may unfortunately often lead to oversized packages stuffed with a large quantity of loose filling material.

[0011] Oversized packages increase shipping and storage costs and loose filling materials may not guarantee the required protection quality standards for fragile parts.

[0012] Often, package marking is done manually by printed stickers, attached papers or with markers. Also this practice may unfortunately lead to another time- consuming process with risk of mistakes.

[0013] Current packaging techniques are cumbersome, tedious, error-prone and otherwise ill-suited for the task. Improved techniques are desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0014] Various disclosed embodiments include methods, systems, and computer readable mediums for facilitating production of a custom designed package to contain one or more parts. A method includes receiving inputs on part property data of a set of parts to be contained within a package to be custom designed are received; wherein the part property data comprises at least geometry data of the part set. The method includes determining a design option selection of package property data depending on the part property data; wherein the package property data comprise package size data and package structure data. The method includes determining design option selection of placement configuration data of the part set within the package based on a selected option of package property data and on the part property data. The method includes determining emboss feature data to be designed for part identification purposes on one or more package outer surfaces based on a selected option of placement configuration data and on the part geometry data. The method includes generating 3D printing data for 3D printing the custom designed package including the surface emboss feature data.

[0015] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description that follows. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure in its broadest form.

[0016] Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, whether such a device is implemented in hardware, firmware, software or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. While some terms may include a wide variety of embodiments, the appended claims may expressly limit these terms to specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers designate like objects, and in which:

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a data processing system in which an embodiment can be implemented.

[0019] Figure 2 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of corrugated package produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments. [0020] Figure 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of flat package produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0021] Figure 4 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of package produced with nested panels in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0022] Figure 5 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of foldable package produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0023] Figure 6 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of flat package with cover produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0024] Figure 7 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of corrugated package with cover produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments. [0025] Figure 8 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of corrugated package for containing several parts produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0026] Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for producing a custom designed package to contain a part in accordance with disclosed embodiments. [0027] Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart for facilitating production of a custom designed package to contain one or more parts in accordance with disclosed embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] FIGURES 1 through 10, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged device. The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with reference to exemplary non-limiting embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a data processing system in which an embodiment can be implemented.

[0030] Figure 2 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of corrugated package produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments. [0031] Figure 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of flat package produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0032] Figure 4 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of package produced with nested panels in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0033] Figure 5 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of foldable package produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0034] Figure 6 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of flat package with cover produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0035] Figure 7 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of corrugated package with cover produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments. [0036] Figure 8 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of corrugated package for containing several parts produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments. [0037] Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for producing a custom designed package to contain a part in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0038] Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart for producing a custom designed package to contain one or more parts in accordance with disclosed embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] FIGURES 1 through 10, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged device. The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with reference to exemplary non-limiting embodiments.

[0040] Previous techniques for producing a custom designed package to contain one or more parts require too much time and effort. The embodiments disclosed herein provide numerous technical benefits, including but not limited to the following examples.

[0041] Embodiments may enable an end-to-end packaging solution which is automatic.

[0042] Embodiments may enable a 3D printing packaging solution which is flexible.

[0043] Embodiments may enable a packaging solution which is optimized to fit the manufactured parts.

[0044] Embodiments may also enable producing packages of optimized sizes.

[0045] Embodiments may enable efficient sorting and identification of parts and packages.

[0046] Embodiments may also enable packaging solutions ensuring high protection standards for fragile parts.

[0047] Embodiments may also optimize package shipping. [0048] Embodiments may also optimize packaging material inventory.

[0049] Embodiments may also enable on demand package production.

[0050] Embodiments may also enable eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions.

[0051] Embodiments may also be integrated in manufacturing software systems.

[0052] Embodiments may also improve lead manufacturing time, order fulfillment time and/or order delivery quality for the part manufacturer.

[0053] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a data processing system 100 in which an embodiment can be implemented, for example as a PDM system particularly configured by software or otherwise to perform the processes as described herein, and in particular as each one of a plurality of interconnected and communicating systems as described herein. The data processing system 100 illustrated can include a processor 102 connected to a level two cache/bridge 104, which is connected in turn to a local system bus 106. Local system bus 106 may be, for example, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) architecture bus. Also connected to local system bus in the illustrated example are a main memory 108 and a graphics adapter 110. The graphics adapter 110 may be connected to display 111.

[0054] Other peripherals, such as local area network (LAN) / Wide Area Network / Wireless ( e.g . WiFi) adapter 112, may also be connected to local system bus 106. Expansion bus interface 114 connects local system bus 106 to input/output (I/O) bus 116. I/O bus 116 is connected to keyboard/mouse adapter 118, disk controller 120, and I/O adapter 122. Disk controller 120 can be connected to a storage 126, which can be any suitable machine usable or machine readable storage medium, including but are not limited to nonvolatile, hard-coded type mediums such as read only memories (ROMs) or erasable, electrically programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic tape storage, and user-recordable type mediums such as floppy disks, hard disk drives and compact disk read only memories (CD-ROMs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs), and other known optical, electrical, or magnetic storage devices.

[0055] Also connected to I/O bus 116 in the example shown is audio adapter 124, to which speakers (not shown) may be connected for playing sounds. Keyboard/mouse adapter 118 provides a connection for a pointing device (not shown), such as a mouse, trackball, trackpointer, touchscreen, etc.

[0056] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware illustrated in Figure 1 may vary for particular implementations. For example, other peripheral devices, such as an optical disk drive and the like, also may be used in addition or in place of the hardware illustrated. The illustrated example is provided for the purpose of explanation only and is not meant to imply architectural limitations with respect to the present disclosure.

[0057] A data processing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure can include an operating system employing a graphical user interface. The operating system permits multiple display windows to be presented in the graphical user interface simultaneously, with each display window providing an interface to a different application or to a different instance of the same application. A cursor in the graphical user interface may be manipulated by a user through the pointing device. The position of the cursor may be changed and/or an event, such as clicking a mouse button, generated to actuate a desired response.

[0058] One of various commercial operating systems, such as a version of Microsoft Windows™, a product of Microsoft Corporation located in Redmond, Wash may be employed if suitably modified. The operating system is modified or created in accordance with the present disclosure as described.

[0059] LAN/ WAN/Wireless adapter 112 can be connected to a network 130 (not a part of data processing system 100), which can be any public or private data processing system network or combination of networks, as known to those of skill in the art, including the Internet. Data processing system 100 can communicate over network 130 with server system 140, which is also not part of data processing system 100, but can be implemented, for example, as a separate data processing system 100.

[0060] In example embodiments, the main algorithm steps for facilitating and enabling the producing of a custom designed packages to contain one or more parts are illustrated below; the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to a package custom design to contain one single part as illustrated below - two or more parts are contemplated.

[0061] Assume, for illustration purposes, that these exemplary embodiments refer to the custom designed packages shown in Figure 2 and in Figure 3. A manufactured part 202 is to be contained within a package to be custom designed and then produced by 3D printing via the generated 3D printing file of the designed package.

[0062] Inputs on properties of the manufactured part 202 are received. Part properties comprise at least geometry information of the part 202, like for example the CAD file to manufacture the part. Examples of part properties may include, but not limited by, part weight and part material.

[0063] Depending on the received part properties, a selection of design options of package properties is determined, like for example the package size, e.g. the dimensions of the bounding box, and the package structure, e.g. whether corrugated or flat and the type of package material (e.g. plastic materials, paper pulp materials, hybrid materials and other materials).

[0064] A selection of design options of part placement configuration within the package is determined, based on the chosen option of design package properties and on the part properties. For example, if the chosen design package property include a cuboidal package, herein called box, 200, 300, with a base panel 205, 305, then the part placement configuration to fit the part within the box 200, 300 on the base panel 205, 305 is designed accordingly.

[0065] Emboss or profile engraving features 210, 310 to be designed on the box panel outer surfaces are determined. These emboss features advantageously enable the identification of the part to be contained within the box 200, 300. They illustrate 2D image side and top views of the one or more part and therefore depend on the part geometry and may also depend on the chosen box properties and placement configuration.

[0066] A 3D printing file for 3D printing the custom designed box including the emboss features 210, 310, 211, 311 is generated. [0067] In case it is chosen a corrugated type of box 300, cavities 206 in form of sunken patterns to host the part 202 are determined and the accordingly generated 3D print file will then contain data for 3D printing the custom designed box including the surface emboss features and the inner cavities.

[0068] In embodiments, depending on the received part properties, examples of determined selection of design options of box properties include, beside the above mentioned package property examples, package characteristics like open box, box panels with snap fits, foldable box, box with nested panels.

[0069] Figure 2 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of corrugated package produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0070] The 3D printable corrugated box 200 for containing the part 202 is shown in Figure 2. The box 200 comprises six panels: one corrugated base panel 205, one top panel 201 and four side panels 204, 207. The box panels are interlocked together via snap-fits 203. On the corrugated base panel 205, sunken pattern cavities 206 are designed to host the part 202 for protection purposes. On the outer surfaces of the top and side panels 201, 204, 2D images of the top and side views 209, 210 of the part are respectively embossed for identification purposes. On the top panel 205, text 208 with part and order ID for further identification of the part 202 may also be advantageously embossed on the box 200 during the 3D printing process. [0071] Figure 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of flat package produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0072] The 3D printable flat box 300 for containing the part 202 is shown in Figure 3. The box 300 comprises six flat panels 301, 304, 305, 306 interlock-able together via snap-fits 303. On the outer surfaces of the top and side panels 301, 304, 306, 2D images 308, 309, 310 of the top and side views of the part are respectively embossed for identification purposes. On the top panel 301, text 302 with part and order ID for further identification of the part 202 may also be advantageously embossed on the box 200 during the 3D printing process. [0073] Figure 4 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of package produced with nested panels in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0074] The 3D printable flat box 400 for containing the part 202 is shown in Figure 4. The box panels 401 are flat and interlock-able with snap fits. Advantageously the panels may be 3D printed as nested panels 402. Figure 5 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of foldable package produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments;

[0076] The 3D printable foldable box 500 for containing the part 202 is shown in Figure 5. The box 500 comprises a top part 501 and a bottom part 502, flexible hinges 503 enable to interconnect the panels. On outer panel surfaces of the top and side panels, 2D image profiles 505 of the top and side views of the part are respectively embossed for identification purposes. On the top panel 502, text 504 with part and order ID for further identification of the part 202 may also be advantageously embossed on the box 500 during the 3D printing process.

[0077] Figure 6 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of flat package with cover produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0078] The 3D printable box 600 for containing the part 202 is shown in Figure 6. The box 600 comprises two flat parts, a cover panel 601 and a bottom open box 602. On outer box surfaces, 2D images 603 of the top and side views of the part are respectively embossed for identification purposes. On the cover panel 601, text 604 with part and order ID for further identification of the part 202 may also be advantageously embossed on the box 600 during the 3D printing process.

[0079] Figure 7 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of corrugated package with cover produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments. [0080] The 3D printable box 700 for containing the part 202 is shown in Figure 7. The corrugated box 700 comprises two parts, a cover flat panel 701 and a corrugated bottom open box 702. On outer box surfaces, 2D image profiles 703 of the top and side views of the part are respectively embossed for identification purposes. On the cover panel 701, embossed text 704 with part and order ID for further identification of the part 202 may also be advantageously embossed on the box 700 during the 3D printing process.

[0081] Figure 8 is a drawing schematically illustrating an example of corrugated package for containing several parts produced in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0082] The 3D printable package 800 for containing the plurality of parts 802 is shown in Figure 8. The corrugated package 800 comprises two parts 801. 805, a cover flat panel 801 and a package base 805 with a corrugated pattern 804 with sunk pattern cavities 803 to host the plurality of parts 802. On the cover panel 801, 2D images 806 of the top views of the plurality of parts 802 are embossed for identification purposes. On the cover panel 801, text 806 with part and order ID for further identification of the plurality of parts 802 may also be advantageously embossed on the box 800 during the 3D printing process.

[0083] Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for producing a custom designed box to contain a part in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

[0084] At act 901, inputs on properties of a part are received. Received properties of the part include information on geometry of the part and, optionally, other characteristics of the part like for example its weight and/or its material.

[0085] At act 902, design properties of the box are determined and also placement configuration of the part within the box is determined. Information on design package properties include for example bounding box dimensions, offset margins, box wall thickness, whether the box is flat or it has a corrugated base, whether the box has nested panels, whether the box is open with a cover like the box in Figure 7, whether the box is foldable like the box in Figure 6 or whether the box has panels with snap- fits 203, 303 and other properties. [0086] At act 903, top and side views of the part are extracted from the input part properties for identification purposes.

[0087] At act 904, it is checked whether the box is corrugated or not. In case it is corrugated, at act 905 cavities fitting the part shape are designed taking into account the previously determined placement configuration. In case of corrugated box, the box panels are thickened, the part cavities may be designed on the bottom, side and/or top panels of the box in order to protect the part. In case of undercuts for designing the cavities, the undercuts are then fixed. In the embodiments of Figures 2 and 7 cavities are designed on the bottom panels of the boxes with determined preferred directions of the cavities of the sunken patterns.

[0088] In embodiments, for a corrugated package, a patterned structure is applied around the part cavity boundaries. Example of patterned structure include, but it is not limited by, light weight hollow patterns or lattice design for energy absorption and protection purposes. The designer or user can select the pattern geometry, pattern wall thickness and details size based on a determined option selection on design box property data.

[0089] At act 906, it is generated a 3D printing file of the designed box, including surface emboss features of the part views on outer surfaces and inner box cavities in case of a corrugated box. Optionally, information in textual form may also advantageously designed as emboss profile on the box panel for identification purposes.

[0090] In embodiments, the box may be designed to fit several parts as shown in Figure 8. Advantageously, the 3D printed package may hold a single part or several parts and/or parts with different geometries. [0091] In embodiments, the box design is based on the part geometry and other part property and, optionally, on optimization criteria and on user selection. The user or designer can select among a determined pool of design options for the box as the examples of Figures 2 to 8 illustrate. [0092] The 2D image profiles, carvings or contours of the part 2D views are engraved and are 3D printed on the package outer panels as for example item 201 in Figure 2. Advantageously parts may be reliable sorted and identified.

[0093] The exemplary box shown in Figure 3 is composed of several 3D printed flat panels that are attachable together by 3D printed snap-fits or by any other fitting means. The exemplary box of Figure 5 is made of panels with flexible hinges 503.

[0094] Advantageously, 3D printer chamber space may be optimized as well as storage space.

[0095] In embodiments, the choice of box material may be determined be based on the part characteristics, like for examples its size, weight and material.

[0096] In embodiments, criteria for the selection or prioritization of the box design options may based on inventory storage resources, shipping resources, 3D printing speed, availability of personnel for folding a box versus an already 3D printed open box. [0097] Embodiments provide an end-to-end service solution for 3D-printing a

“custom/optimized” package on demand based on the 3D CAD model of the one or more parts to be packaged.

[0098] In embodiments, a service for 3D printing packages designed to automatically fit one or more parts may be implemented in a cloud or client server architectures. In embodiments, inputs to the service may be part geometry data are part CAD data files, package desired optimization requirements, package characteristics like for example snap fits, open box, flexible foldable box, nested panels and labeling with order identification data.

[0099] In embodiments, in case the CAD model of the part requires a modification or in case more parts are added to a given manufacturing order, the “package 3D- printing service” adapts automatically to generate another file for the 3D printing job of the package.

[00100] In embodiments, the part data input is provided to the 3D printing service and the package design may be generated automatically, by applying any combination of determined and predefined selected parameters based on optimization criteria, with or without user selected preferences.

[00101] Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart 1000 of a method for facilitating production of a custom designed package to contain one or more parts in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Such method can be performed, for example, by system 100 of Figure 1 described above, but the “system” in the process below can be any apparatus configured to perform a process as described.

[00102] Production of a custom designed package to contain one or more parts is facilitated by generating its 3D printing file in accordance with embodiments.

[00103] At act 1005, inputs on part property data of a set of parts to be contained within a package to be custom designed are received; wherein the part property data comprises at least geometry data of the part set.

[00104] At act 1010, a design option selection of package property data is determined depending on the part property data; wherein the package property data comprise package size data and package structure data.

[00105] At act 1015, a design option selection of placement configuration data of the part set within the package is determined based on a selected option of package property data and on the part property data.

[00106] At act 1020, emboss feature data to be designed for part identification purposes on one or more package outer surfaces are determined based on a selected option of placement configuration data and on the part geometry data.

[00107] At act 1025, a 3D printing data is determined for 3D printing the custom designed package including the surface emboss feature data. Examples of 3D printing data include, but are not limited by, a 3D printing file.

[00108] In embodiments, the package structure data comprise data selected from the group consisting of:

- corrugated package data;

- package material type data; - pattern type around part cavities inside the package.

[00109] In embodiments, in case of a selected option of a corrugated package, item act 1020 may further include determining cavity data to be designed for part hosting purposes within the inner corrugated part of the package based on a selected option of placement configuration data and on the part geometry data; and, wherein the 3D printing data generated at act 1025 consist in data for 3D printing the custom designed package including the surface emboss feature data and the inner cavity data.

[00110] In embodiments, the custom designed package is 3D printed based on the generated 3D printing data.

[00111] In embodiments, a design option selection of package property data may be determined via a technique selected from the group consisting of:

- a technique based on calculations of a data processing system;

- a technique based on calculations based on optimization criteria.

- a technique based on receiving a predefined choices of options;

- a technique based on receiving user preferences via a GUI or via a file;

- a technique based on knowledge based systems, rule-based systems and/or cased based systems;

- a technique based on Machine Learning;

- a technique based on any combination of the above.

[00112] In embodiments, design options are determined and/or selected based on optimization criteria selected from the group consisting of:

- criteria based on availability of 3D printing production resources ;

- criteria based on 3D printing material characteristics.

- criteria based on part protection requirements.

- criteria based on availability of packaging resources (e.g. packaging personnel, package storage) at the part manufacturing facility;

- criteria based on any combination of the above. [00113] Examples of input data of the set of parts include, but are not limited by, a CAD file, 3D model, a 2D image or drawing or dimensions of the set of parts, dimensions of the bounding box of the set of parts.

[00114] Examples of computer system resources for hosting one or more data processing systems for implementing embodiments include, but are not limited by, client server solutions and cloud solutions.

[00115] Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that, unless specifically indicated or required by the sequence of operations, certain steps in the processes described above may be omitted, performed concurrently or sequentially, or performed in a different order.

[00116] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, for simplicity and clarity, the full structure and operation of all data processing systems suitable for use with the present disclosure is not being illustrated or described herein. Instead, only so much of a data processing system as is unique to the present disclosure or necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure is illustrated and described. The remainder of the construction and operation of data processing system 100 may conform to any of the various current implementations and practices known in the art.

[00117] It is important to note that while the disclosure includes a description in the context of a fully functional system, those skilled in the art will appreciate that at least portions of the present disclosure are capable of being distributed in the form of instructions contained within a machine-usable, computer-usable, or computer- readable medium in any of a variety of forms, and that the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of instruction or signal bearing medium or storage medium utilized to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of machine usable/readable or computer usable/readable mediums include: nonvolatile, hard coded type mediums such as read only memories (ROMs) or erasable, electrically programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), and user-recordable type mediums such as floppy disks, hard disk drives and compact disk read only memories (CD- ROMs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs).

[00118] Although an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, variations, and improvements disclosed herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure in its broadest form.

[00119] None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: the scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for facilitating production by a data processing system of a custom designed package to contain one or more parts, comprising the following steps: a) receiving inputs on part property data of a set of parts to be contained within a package to be custom designed; wherein the part property data comprises at least geometry data of the part set; b) determining a design option selection of package property data depending on the part property data; wherein the package property data comprise package size data and package structure data; c) determining a design option selection of placement configuration data of the part set within the package based on a selected option of package property data and on the part property data; d) determining emboss feature data to be designed for part identification purposes on one or more package outer surfaces based on a selected option of placement configuration data and on the part geometry data; e) generating 3D printing data for 3D printing the custom designed package including the surface emboss feature data.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the package structure data comprise data selected from the group consisting of:

- corrugated package data;

- package material type data;

- pattern type around part cavities inside the package.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein, in case of a selected option of a corrugated package, wherein item d) further includes determining cavity data to be designed for part hosting purposes within the inner corrugated part of the package based on a selected option of placement configuration data and on the part geometry data; and, wherein the 3D printing data generated in item e) consist in data for 3D printing the custom designed package including the surface emboss feature data and the inner cavity data.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the following step:

- 3D printing the custom designed package based on the generated 3D printing data.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining of a design option selection of package property data is implemented via a technique selected from the group consisting of:

- a technique based on calculations of a data processing system;

- a technique based on calculations based on optimization criteria.

- a technique based on receiving a predefined choices of options;

- a technique based on receiving user preferences via a GUI or via a file;

- a technique based on Machine Learning;

- a technique based on any combination of the above.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein design options are determined and/or selected based on optimization criteria selected from the group consisting of:

- criteria based on availability of 3D printing production resources ;

- criteria based on 3D printing material characteristics.

- criteria based on part protection requirements.

- criteria based on any combination of the above.

7. A data processing system comprising: a processor; and an accessible memory, the data processing system particularly configured to: a) receive inputs on part property data of a set of parts to be contained within a package to be custom designed; wherein the part property data comprises at least geometry data of the part set; b) determine a design option selection of package property data depending on the part property data; wherein the package property data comprise package size data and package structure data; c) determine a design option selection of placement configuration data of the part set within the package based on a selected option of package property data and on the part property data; d) determine emboss feature data to be designed for part identification purposes on one or more package outer surfaces based on a selected option of placement configuration data and on the part geometry data; e) generate 3D printing data for 3D printing the custom designed package including the surface emboss feature data.

8. The data processing system of claim 7, wherein the package structure data comprise data selected from the group consisting of:

- corrugated package data;

- package material type data;

- pattern type around part cavities inside the package.

9. The data processing system of claim 8, wherein, in case of a selected option of a corrugated package, wherein item d) further includes determining cavity data to be designed for part hosting purposes within the inner corrugated part of the package based on a selected option of placement configuration data and on the part geometry data; and, wherein the 3D printing data generated in item e) consist in data for 3D printing the custom designed package including the surface emboss feature data and the inner cavity data.

10. The data processing system of claim 7, further configured to:

- 3D print the custom designed package based on the generated 3D printing data.

11. The data processing system of claim 7, wherein the design option selection of package property data is determined via a technique selected from the group consisting of:

- a technique based on calculations of a data processing system;

- a technique based on calculations based on optimization criteria.

- a technique based on receiving predefined choices of options;

- a technique based on receiving user preferences via a GUI or via a file; - a technique based on knowledge based systems, rule-based systems and/or cased based systems;

- a technique based on Machine Learning;

- a technique based on any combination of the above.

12. The data processing system of claim 7, wherein design options are determined and/or selected based on optimization criteria selected from the group consisting of:

- criteria based on availability of 3D printing production resources ;

- criteria based on 3D printing material characteristics.

- criteria based on part protection requirements.

- criteria based on any combination of the above.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more data processing systems to: a) receive inputs on part property data of a set of parts to be contained within a package to be custom designed; wherein the part property data comprises at least geometry data of the part set; b) determine a design option selection of package property data depending on the part property data; wherein the package property data comprise package size data and package structure data; c) determine a design option selection of placement configuration data of the part set within the package based on a selected option of package property data and on the part property data; d) determine emboss feature data to be designed for part identification purposes on one or more package outer surfaces based on a selected option of placement configuration data and on the part geometry data; e) generate 3D printing data for 3D printing the custom designed package including the surface emboss feature data.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the package structure data comprise data selected from the group consisting of:

- corrugated package data;

- package material type data;

- pattern type around part cavities inside the package.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein, in case of a selected option of a corrugated package, wherein item d) further includes determining cavity data to be designed for part hosting purposes within the inner corrugated part of the package based on a selected option of placement configuration data and on the part geometry data; and, wherein the 3D printing data generated in item e) consist in data for 3D printing the custom designed package including the surface emboss feature data and the inner cavity data.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim, further configured to:

- 3D print the custom designed package based on the generated 3D printing data.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the design option selection of package property data is determined via a technique selected from the group consisting of:

- a technique based on calculations of a data processing system;

- a technique based on calculations based on optimization criteria.

- a technique based on receiving predefined choices of options;

- a technique based on receiving user preferences via a GUI or via a file;

- a technique based on Machine Learning;

- a technique based on any combination of the above.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein design options are determined and/or selected based on optimization criteria selected from the group consisting of: - criteria based on availability of 3D printing production resources ;

- criteria based on 3D printing material characteristics.

- criteria based on part protection requirements.

- criteria based on any combination of the above.