Intuitive Creation System for Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

Described herein is an Intuitive Creation System for Additive Manufacturing (AM) Devices which automates the design and manufacturing process in order to minimize or eliminate the need to teach and train new users in the art of Additive Manufacturing (AM). This system and methodology allows anyone, with little to no technical know-how, to successfully operate an AM device to produce products that improve their quality of life, on demand, locally, and during events that cause disruption of traditional global manufacturing supply chains. Additionally, the described systems and methods also allow anyone to design and create products with little to no prior technical know-how. This is accomplished by integrating computational systems and processors into the physical device such that 3D model data can be interrupted and translated into actions by the AM device without the need for a highly trained operator or user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 945,139, filed on Dec. 7, 2019 by Joseph M. Sinclair, entitled “INTUITIVE END-TO-END CREATION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING SAME” and is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent that it does not conflict with the current disclosure.BACKGROUNDField of Invention[0002]The present invention relates to additive manufacturing (AM) devices, and more specifically, is directed toward versions of these AM devices that enable non-technical users to reap the benefits offered by these AM manufacturing devices without the need to overcome the extensive learning curve that currently exists.Description of Related Art[0003]Additive manufacturing, (“AM”), also called “3D Printing”, builds products layer by layer. AM usually takes a longer time to manufacture a product as compared with conventional manufacturing which may use, for example, milling and drilling. Finally, AM tec...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The current invention is an Additive Manufacturing (AM) device that can be attached to an AM device and use a series of attached and detached computational systems and processors to automate the creation and selection of 3D models and fabrication thereof. The computational systems and processors use mathematical algorithms to process CAD files in preparation for the fabrication process, which reduces process variability often caused by operator input. The system and method allow for successful production of AM products without requiring significant technical know-how by the operator.

Problems solved by technology

As AM, aka 3D printing, adoption has increased, AM's undesirable issues relative to traditional manufacturing techniques have begun surfacing.

Presently, AM adoptability is suffering from an inability to scale AM production to mass manufacturing levels, relative to traditional mass manufacturing techniques for end-use products.

In contrast, AM methodologies are currently unreliable, expensive, slow relative to traditional manufacturing methods, as well as being difficult to teach and learn.

Since commercial production of retail and consumer products often requires millions of components produced per year, this clearly has become problematic.

For retail and consumer products, AM technologies are not an economically feasible solution as compared to technologies such as injection molding.

However, it does not address the need for a simpler and more intuitive approach to AM such that non-technical users can utilize AM devices without having to overcome an extensive learning curve.

Additionally, these skill sets require extensive training and have a steep learning curve.

However, the ability for a non-technical user to quickly learn design methods and AM processes is unlikely.

Conquering the learning curve of operating an AM device is also difficult for non-technical users.

These issues restrict the average individual from utilizing AM technologies.

However, existing AM technology and systems are not as easy to use or as simple as just pressing print.

Currently, there are few AM systems or methods that are capable of enabling the average consumer to create and / or produce retail and consumer products on their own without having to overcome a significant learning curve.

AM technology and devices have the potential to significantly improve the lives of the masses, however technical know-how remains the biggest barrier to entry.

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