A method and apparatus for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment based on three-dimensional printing

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of auxiliary manufacturing and equipment management of industrial equipment, and particularly discloses a method and device for protecting key positions of industrial equipment based on three-dimensional printing, which identifies key positions in industrial equipment that have important influences on equipment functions, operation stability or work quality during storage, standby, operation or maintenance, establishes a parameterized three-dimensional digital model based on the structural features and use constraints of the key positions, and introduces functional structures for protection, state maintenance or work assistance in the model. The device can implement structured protection, state constraints or operation stress guidance on the key positions during use, so as to reduce the adverse effects of pollution, misinstallation or abnormal stress on the key positions, and can be disassembled and reused after use, and has the advantages of strong adaptability, fast response speed, stable protection effect, reusability and good expansibility, and is suitable for the protection and work assistance of key positions of various industrial equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of industrial equipment auxiliary manufacturing and equipment management technology, specifically to a method and device for protecting key parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing. Background Technology

[0002] In the actual use of industrial equipment, there are usually a large number of key parts that have a significant impact on the realization of equipment functions, operational stability, or quality of use.

[0003] These critical components are easily affected by external environmental factors (such as dust, foreign objects, moisture, etc.) or human factors (such as accidental touch, misinstallation, abnormal force, etc.) during equipment storage, standby, operation or maintenance, which can lead to changes in condition, functional degradation or even equipment failure.

[0004] In the prior art, the above problems are usually addressed in the following ways: 1. Use disposable methods such as tape, plastic film, or temporary sealing materials to simply cover key areas; 2. Rely on human experience for operation control to avoid misoperation or abnormal force; 3. Use general-purpose protective components or temporary tooling as supplementary measures.

[0005] However, the above methods generally have the following shortcomings: The protective methods are temporary and cannot maintain a long-term stable state of finished product protection. Disposable consumables are used frequently, which can easily generate residual adhesive pollution, and is not conducive to on-site cleanliness and environmental protection requirements; General-purpose protective components or tooling are difficult to match precisely with specific critical parts, resulting in insufficient adaptability and reliability. When new protective or auxiliary needs arise on-site, traditional processing or procurement methods are time-consuming, costly, and difficult to respond in a timely manner.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technical solution that can quickly respond to on-site needs, has good adaptability, is reusable, and can protect and improve the reliability of key parts of industrial equipment at different stages of use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing, so as to solve the problems mentioned above.

[0008] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions: A method for protecting critical components of industrial equipment based on 3D printing includes the following steps: Step 1: Critical Component Identification: Identify the critical components of industrial equipment that affect the equipment's function, operational stability, or quality of use during at least one stage of storage, standby, operation, or maintenance, and whose condition is easily affected by external environment or human operation. Step 2: Parametric Digital Modeling: Based on the structural boundaries, assembly interfaces and usage constraints of the key parts, establish a parametric three-dimensional digital model, and introduce at least one functional structure into the model for maintaining the finished product's condition or improving its reliability. Step 3: Additive manufacturing: Using additive manufacturing, the three-dimensional digital model is manufactured into a special device that matches the structural features of the key parts; Step 4: Assembly and Use: Assemble the special device on the key part, so that the key part maintains a predetermined state or stability requirement in the at least one stage; Step 5: Disassembly and Reuse: After completing the corresponding stage, the special device is disassembled and reused.

[0009] As a further aspect of the present invention: the parameterized three-dimensional digital model includes at least geometric parameters related to the outline of key parts, assembly interfaces, or stress data.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention, the parametric three-dimensional digital model is stored and retrieved as a reusable design asset to support the rapid remanufacturing of specialized devices for different key components.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention: the finished product status maintenance and reliability improvement function is applicable to at least one of the following states of industrial equipment: non-working state, intermittent operation state, or operation process.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention, the functional structure includes at least one of the following: a finished product state isolation structure, a state positioning or constraint structure, an operation force guidance structure, and a mis-assembly or error prevention structure.

[0013] As a further aspect of the present invention: the finished product state isolation structure restricts direct contact between key parts and the external environment by covering, enclosing, or limiting; the state positioning or constraint structure restricts the relative displacement or posture changes of key parts during non-working or operational intermittent phases by cooperating with the structure of the key parts; the operation force guiding structure is used to change the path of the manual operation force to reduce the adverse effects of abnormal force on the state of key parts; the anti-misassembly or anti-error structure restricts the assembly freedom, so that the special device can only be assembled on key parts in a predetermined manner.

[0014] As a further aspect of the present invention: the special device achieves rapid response from demand confirmation to physical delivery through a manufacturing path of digital modeling and 3D printing; the special device consists of a basic structure and at least one functional structure, which can be replaced or combined according to the needs of different key parts.

[0015] As a further aspect of the present invention: the special device enables the finished product protection or status maintenance of key parts to be intuitively identified through its shape, color or structural features.

[0016] As a further aspect of the present invention: the special device maintains structural integrity during repeated assembly, disassembly, or use; the special device is a reusable 3D printed product used to replace disposable or temporary protection methods.

[0017] As a further aspect of the present invention: a protective device for critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing, wherein the protective device for critical parts of industrial equipment is prepared using the above-described method for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention utilizes parametric digital modeling to quickly adapt the structure of key components for different industrial equipment, avoiding the problem of insufficient compatibility of general protective or auxiliary devices. Based on digital modeling and 3D printing manufacturing pathways, the entire process from requirement confirmation to physical delivery can be completed in a short cycle, significantly improving on-site responsiveness to temporary or new demands. By isolating, positioning, or constraining key components in a structured manner, the expected state of these components can be stably maintained in non-working states or during operation.

[0019] By controlling the consistency of the state of key components, the probability of equipment malfunctions caused by contamination, misassembly, or abnormal stress is reduced, thereby improving equipment operational reliability. The device structure can be designed according to ergonomic principles, reducing the difficulty of manual assembly, disassembly, or operation, and shortening operation time. Optimizing the force path and state constraints during operation reduces ineffective operations and repetitive adjustments, improving the overall efficiency of critical operational processes.

[0020] Reduce process instability or functional abnormalities caused by fluctuations in the condition of key components, and improve the consistency of equipment use quality and operation quality.

[0021] By using 3D printing to manufacture specialized devices on demand, material and manufacturing costs associated with traditional processing, purchasing generic parts, or repeated rework can be reduced. Furthermore, by proactively protecting and constraining the condition of critical components, the frequency of later maintenance and the probability of rework can be decreased, thereby reducing hidden maintenance costs.

[0022] By employing structural designs that prevent mis-installation, errors, and state constraints, the risk of human error is reduced, improving on-site operational safety. A standardized structural form and visual status identification methods minimize the need for temporary protective measures, enhancing on-site cleanliness and standardized management. The device is reusable, replacing disposable or temporary protective methods such as tape and plastic film, reducing consumable usage and residual adhesive pollution.

[0023] Parametric 3D digital models can be stored and retrieved long-term as reusable design assets, enabling experience accumulation and continuous optimization. The same technical solution can be adapted to key components of various industrial equipment by adjusting the parametric model, demonstrating promising prospects for expanded applications. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the protection method of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tungsten electrode sleeve structure in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connector pin-type connector structure in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the connector pin-type joint in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the tungsten electrode cap structure in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation and connection structure of the tungsten electrode sleeve and the tungsten electrode cap in this invention; Figure 7 This is a comparative schematic diagram of the tungsten electrode cap protection connection structure in this invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the tungsten electrode cap used in this invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connector pin-type connector structure in this invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the connector pin-type joint structure and the connector pin-type joint protection structure in this invention.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Sleeve body; 10. Socket hole; 11. Anti-slip texture; 2. Protective base; 20. Insertion hole; 21. Insertion block; 22. Hook; 3. Protective body; 30. Snap-fit ​​hole; 4. Protective hole position. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] Example 1 Please see Figure 1 As shown, this invention is a method for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Critical Component Identification: Identify the critical components of industrial equipment that affect the equipment's function, operational stability, or quality of use during at least one stage of storage, standby, operation, or maintenance, and whose condition is easily affected by external environment or human operation. Step Two: Parametric Digital Modeling: Based on the structural boundaries, assembly interfaces, and usage constraints of the key components, a parametric three-dimensional digital model is established. This model includes at least geometric parameters related to the outline, assembly interface, or stress data of the key components. At least one functional structure is introduced into the model to maintain the finished product's condition or improve its reliability. This maintenance and reliability improvement function applies to at least one state of the industrial equipment during non-operation, intermittent operation, or operation. The functional structure includes at least one of the following: a finished product state isolation structure, a state positioning or constraint structure, an operation force guidance structure, and an anti-misassembly or anti-misoperation structure. The structure includes: a finished product state isolation structure that restricts direct contact between critical components and the external environment through covering, enclosing, or limiting methods; a state positioning or constraint structure that restricts the relative displacement or posture changes of critical components during non-working or intermittent operation phases by cooperating with the structure of the critical components; an operation force guidance structure that changes the path of manual operation force to reduce the adverse effects of abnormal forces on the state of critical components; an anti-misassembly or error-proof structure that restricts assembly freedom so that the special device can only be assembled in a predetermined manner on the critical components; and a parametric three-dimensional digital model that is stored and retrieved as a reusable design asset to support the rapid remanufacturing of special devices for different critical components. Step 3: Additive Manufacturing: Using additive manufacturing, the 3D digital model is manufactured into a specialized device that matches the structural features of the key components. In this step, by adjusting the geometric parameters, specialized devices for different key components are manufactured without the need for dedicated molds. The specialized device achieves rapid response from requirement confirmation to physical delivery through the manufacturing path of digital modeling and 3D printing. The specialized device consists of a basic structure and at least one functional structure, which can be replaced or combined according to the requirements of different key components. Step 4: Assembly and Use: Assemble the special device on the key part to maintain the key part in a predetermined state or stability requirement during at least one stage; reduce functional abnormalities or work quality fluctuations caused by state deviations by controlling the consistency of the state of the key part; the special device makes the finished product protection or state maintenance status of the key part visually identifiable through its shape, color or structural features. Step 5: Disassembly and Reuse: After completing the corresponding stage, the special device is disassembled and reused. The special device maintains its structural integrity during repeated assembly, disassembly, or use, thereby continuously maintaining the finished product condition or operational stability of key components. The special device is a reusable 3D printed product used to replace disposable or temporary protection methods.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. High adaptability Parametric digital modeling can be used to quickly adapt the structure of key parts of different industrial equipment, avoiding the problem of insufficient compatibility of general protection or auxiliary devices.

[0030] 2. Fast response speed By leveraging digital modeling and 3D printing manufacturing pathways, the entire process from requirement confirmation to physical delivery can be completed in a short period of time, significantly improving the on-site responsiveness to temporary or new requirements.

[0031] 3. Stable protection and status maintenance effects. By isolating, positioning, or constraining critical components in a structured manner, the expected state of critical components can be stably maintained in non-working or operational states.

[0032] 4. Significantly improved reliability By controlling the consistency of the status of key components, the probability of equipment malfunctions caused by contamination, misinstallation, or abnormal stress is reduced, thereby improving the reliability of equipment operation.

[0033] 5. High ease of operation The device structure can be designed according to ergonomics to reduce the difficulty of manual assembly, disassembly or operation and shorten the operation time.

[0034] 6. Improved work efficiency By optimizing the force path and state constraints of the operation process, ineffective operations and redundant adjustments are reduced, thereby improving the overall efficiency of key operational links.

[0035] 7. Significant quality effect Reduce process instability or functional abnormalities caused by fluctuations in the condition of key components, and improve the consistency of equipment use quality and operation quality.

[0036] 8. Significant direct cost savings. By using 3D printing to manufacture specialized devices on demand, material and manufacturing costs associated with traditional processing, purchasing generic parts, or repeated rework can be reduced.

[0037] 9. Reduced maintenance and rework costs By protecting and constraining the status of critical components in advance, the frequency of later maintenance and the probability of rework can be reduced, thereby reducing hidden maintenance costs.

[0038] 10. Reduced operational and misoperation risks By designing a structure to prevent mis-installation, errors, and state constraints, the risk of human error is reduced, and the safety of on-site operations is improved.

[0039] 11. It is conducive to on-site standardization and management improvement. By unifying the structural form and visual status recognition methods, temporary protective measures can be reduced, and the cleanliness and standardized management level of the site can be improved.

[0040] 12. Good environmental protection and sustainability The device is reusable and can replace disposable or temporary protective methods such as tape and plastic film, reducing the use of consumables and residual adhesive pollution.

[0041] 13. The value of digital assets is outstanding. Parametric 3D digital models can be stored and retrieved as reusable design assets for long-term use, enabling experience accumulation and continuous optimization.

[0042] 14. Highly expandable and versatile The same technical solution can be adapted to key parts of various industrial equipment by adjusting the parametric model, and has good prospects for expanded application.

[0043] Example 2 Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment provides a protective device for critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing. The device includes: The body structure obtained by additive manufacturing; Functional structures that match the structural characteristics of key components of industrial equipment; The functional structure includes at least one of the following: Finished product isolation structure, used to limit direct contact between critical components and the external environment; State positioning or constraint structure, used to limit the relative displacement or attitude change of critical parts during non-working or operational intervals; A force-guiding structure is used to change the path of manual force application. Misassembly prevention or error prevention structure, used to limit the degree of freedom in assembly.

[0044] Example 3 Reference Figure 2 , Figures 5-8 As shown, based on the above embodiments, this embodiment provides a protective structure implementation method in conjunction with a tungsten electrode cap for an industrial equipment connector. In this implementation method, the structural boundaries and assembly interface features of such key parts are first identified, and a corresponding parametric three-dimensional digital model is established according to the requirements for maintaining the finished product state during storage or standby stages.

[0045] The digital model incorporates an isolation structure to limit direct contact with the external environment and a positioning structure to ensure accurate assembly.

[0046] Subsequently, the three-dimensional digital model is fabricated into a dedicated finished product protection device using additive manufacturing.

[0047] After assembly, the device can form a structured isolation for the critical parts, allowing them to maintain a predetermined finished product state during storage or standby.

[0048] Before the equipment is put back into use, the finished product protection device can be removed from the critical parts and reused without complicated maintenance.

[0049] This implementation method can effectively reduce the risk of changes in the condition of critical parts due to dust, foreign objects, or accidental human contact when they are not in operation, thereby improving the reliability of the equipment in subsequent use stages.

[0050] The final tungsten electrode sleeve is as follows Figure 2 As shown, it includes a sleeve body 1, with a socket 10 in the middle of the sleeve body 1 that is adapted to the tungsten electrode cap, and anti-slip texture 11 on the outer side of the sleeve body 1. The sleeve body 1 is a body structure made by additive manufacturing. At the same time, the socket 10 and anti-slip texture 11 inside, as well as the sleeve body 1, are also finished product state isolation structures and state positioning or constraint structures.

[0051] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, this embodiment provides a protective structure implementation method in conjunction with a connector pin-type connector for industrial equipment. In this implementation method, a parametric three-dimensional digital model is established based on the structural boundaries, assembly interfaces, and stress characteristics of the key parts during operation.

[0052] In the digital model, an operation-aiding structure is introduced to guide the force path of manual operation, and a state constraint structure is introduced to limit relative displacement or attitude changes.

[0053] The specialized device prepared by additive manufacturing, after being assembled into the critical parts, can constrain and guide the state of the critical parts during operation or maintenance, reducing the adverse effects of abnormal stress or misoperation on the state of the critical parts.

[0054] After operation or maintenance is completed, the special device can be disassembled and reused under the same or similar working conditions in the future.

[0055] This implementation method can effectively improve the stability of key components during operation and reduce equipment abnormalities or quality fluctuations caused by fluctuations in condition.

[0056] The final finished pin-type connector protection device is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the system includes: two protective bases 2, one of which has a plug-in block 21 on its side and the other has a plug-in hole 20 on its side, and both protective bases 2 have hooks 22 on their tops; it also includes a protective body 3, which has four protective holes 4 and hook-in holes 30 on its side. During installation, the hooks 22 of the two protective bases 2 are inserted into the hook-in holes 30 to form a complete protective structure. At this time, the connector pin-type connectors can be placed into the protective holes 4 respectively. The protective bases 2 and the protective body 3 are detachable main structures made by additive manufacturing, and the protective holes 4 are finished product state isolation structures and state positioning or constraint structures.

[0057] This invention introduces parametric digital modeling and 3D printing manufacturing methods into the protection of critical parts of industrial equipment, constructing a technical solution that is fast-responding, highly adaptable, reusable, and has good scalability. It is applicable to a variety of industrial equipment and application scenarios, and has good engineering application value and promotion prospects.

[0058] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of one embodiment of the present invention, but this description is merely a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. All equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of this invention should still fall within the patent coverage of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for protecting critical components of industrial equipment based on 3D printing, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Critical Component Identification: Identify the critical components of industrial equipment that affect the equipment's function, operational stability, or quality of use during at least one stage of storage, standby, operation, or maintenance, and whose condition is easily affected by external environment or human operation. Step 2: Parametric Digital Modeling: Based on the structural boundaries, assembly interfaces and usage constraints of the key parts, establish a parametric three-dimensional digital model, and introduce at least one functional structure into the model for maintaining the finished product's condition or improving its reliability. Step 3: Additive manufacturing: Using additive manufacturing, the three-dimensional digital model is manufactured into a special device that matches the structural features of the key parts; Step 4: Assembly and Use: Assemble the special device on the key part, so that the key part maintains a predetermined state or stability requirement in the at least one stage; Step 5: Disassembly and Reuse: After completing the corresponding stage, the special device is disassembled and reused.

2. The method for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parametric 3D digital model includes at least geometric parameters related to the shape contours, assembly interfaces, or stress data of key components.

3. The method for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The parametric 3D digital model is stored and retrieved as a reusable design asset to support the rapid remanufacturing of specialized devices for different key components.

4. The method for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The finished product status maintenance and reliability improvement function applies to at least one of the following states of industrial equipment: non-working state, intermittent operation state, or during operation.

5. A method for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional structure includes at least one of the following: finished product state isolation structure, state positioning or constraint structure, operation force guidance structure, and anti-misassembly or anti-error structure.

6. A method for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The finished product state isolation structure restricts direct contact between critical parts and the external environment through covering, enclosing, or limiting methods; the state positioning or constraint structure restricts the relative displacement or posture changes of critical parts during non-working or operational intermittent phases by cooperating with the structure of critical parts; the operation force guiding structure is used to change the path of manual operation force to reduce the adverse effects of abnormal force on the state of critical parts; the anti-misassembly or anti-error structure restricts the assembly degree of freedom, so that the special device can only be assembled on critical parts in a predetermined manner.

7. A method for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specialized device achieves rapid response from demand confirmation to physical delivery through a manufacturing path of digital modeling and 3D printing; the specialized device consists of a basic structure and at least one functional structure, which can be replaced or combined according to the needs of different key parts.

8. A method for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The specialized device allows for intuitive identification of the finished product protection or condition maintenance status of key components through its shape, color, or structural features.

9. A method for protecting critical parts of industrial equipment based on 3D printing according to claim 8, characterized in that, The special device maintains structural integrity during repeated assembly, disassembly, or use; the special device is a reusable 3D printed product used to replace disposable or temporary protection methods.

10. A protective device for critical components of industrial equipment based on 3D printing, characterized in that, The industrial equipment critical component protection device is prepared using the industrial equipment critical component protection method as described in any one of claims 1-9 above.

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