Design of database for automatic example-driven design and assembly of man-made objects

Abstract

In this project, we have built a database of models that have been designed such that they can be directly fabricated by a casual user. Each of the models in this database has design specifications up to the screw level, and each component has a direct reference to a commercial part from online retailers such as McMaster-Carr and Home Depot. This database was built with the purpose of assisting a data-driven approach to customizable fabrication. This system allows a casual user to create a 3D model input with rough specifications and receive a list of parts that, when assembled, will create the model specified. Using this system and database, we were able to successfully design and fabricate three pieces of furniture and therefore proved the data-driven method approach to be valid.