Line buffer and line buffer system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a line buffer and a line buffer system. A line buffer system capable of buffering one or more lines is described. The line buffer system may include a buffer tube. The bumper tube may include an inlet passage, an outlet passage, an outer barrel, and an inner barrel. The inner cylinder can be fixed at a position coaxial with the outer cylinder. A flexible wire guide may be coupled to the inlet channel. The flexible wire guide may extend helically around the inner barrel and exit the bumper tube through the outlet passage. The line buffer system may also include a measurement system. A measurement system may include a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a linear track, and a carriage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to systems and methods for wire buffers. More specifically, the present application relates to wire buffer systems and methods for additive manufacturing. Background Art

[0002] In Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) applications, wire buffers are often used to improve the accuracy of wire advancement. Wire buffers allow for the supply of wire available to the end effector. This is beneficial for reducing backlash and improving output accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0003] Systems and methods according to some embodiments of the present invention relate to a wire buffer system for additive manufacturing.

[0004] Some embodiments include a wire buffer capable of buffering one or more wires, the wire buffer comprising a buffer tube and a measuring head, the buffer tube comprising: an inlet channel; an outlet channel; an outer cylinder; an inner cylinder fixed in a coaxial position with the outer cylinder; and a flexible wire guide coupled to the inlet channel, the flexible wire guide extending helically around the inner cylinder and exiting the buffer tube through the outlet channel; wherein the flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, and the measuring head is configured to measure the amount of wire in the wire buffer.

[0005] In some embodiments, the outlet channel is rotated relative to the inlet channel by greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0006] In some embodiments, the flexible wire guide can translate relative to the outlet channel.

[0007] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to receive a wire that passes through the entry channel and into the flexible wire guide.

[0008] Some embodiments further include a second inlet channel, a second introducer tube, and a second outlet channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the measurement head includes a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a linear track, and a carriage fixedly coupled to the flexible wire guide and movably mounted to the linear track along a measurement axis of the TOF sensor.

[0010] Some embodiments further include a second TOF sensor, a second linear track, and a second bracket.

[0011] In some embodiments, the TOF sensor is configured to measure the amount of flexible wire guide stored within the wire buffer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the line buffer is configured to buffer a plurality of lines.

[0013] In some embodiments, the line buffer is configured to buffer multiple lines simultaneously.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating a flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

[0015] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein the accumulating flexible wire guide increases the helical diameter of the flexible wire guide.

[0016] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein the accumulating flexible wire guide increases the helical diameter of the flexible wire guide from 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0017] Some embodiments include a wire buffer system for advancing one or more wires to a deposition site, the wire buffer system comprising: a wire buffer; a de-spooling motor configured to feed the wire into the wire buffer; and a motor configured to advance the wire out of the wire buffer; wherein the wire buffer includes a buffer tube and a measuring head, the buffer tube including: an inlet channel; an outlet channel; an outer cylinder; an inner cylinder fixed in a position coaxial with the outer cylinder; and a flexible wire guide fixedly connected to the inlet channel, the flexible wire guide extending spirally around the inner cylinder and passing through the outlet channel to exit the buffer tube, wherein the flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, and the measuring head is configured to measure the amount of wire in the wire buffer.

[0018] In some embodiments, the outlet channel is rotated relative to the inlet channel by greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0019] In some embodiments, the flexible wire guide is configured to translate relative to the outlet channel.

[0020] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to receive the wire through the entry channel and into the flexible wire guide.

[0021] Some embodiments further include a second inlet channel, a second flexible wire guide, and a second outlet channel.

[0022] In some embodiments, the measurement head includes a TOF sensor, a linear track, and a carriage fixedly coupled to the flexible wire guide and movably mounted to the linear track along a measurement axis of the TOF sensor.

[0023] Some embodiments further include a second TOF sensor, a second linear track, and a second bracket.

[0024] In some embodiments, the TOF sensor is configured to measure the amount of flexible wire guide stored within the wire buffer.

[0025] In some embodiments, the line buffer is configured to buffer a plurality of lines.

[0026] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating a flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

[0027] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein the accumulating flexible wire guide increases the helical diameter of the flexible wire guide.

[0028] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein the accumulating flexible wire guide increases the helical diameter of the flexible wire guide from 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0029] Some embodiments further include a second unwind motor.

[0030] Some embodiments include a wire buffer system for advancing two or more wires to a deposition site, the wire buffer system comprising: a wire buffer; a first unwind motor configured to feed a first wire into the wire buffer; a second unwind motor configured to feed a second wire into the wire buffer; a motor configured to advance the first wire and the second wire out of the wire buffer; and wherein the wire buffer comprises: a buffer tube and a measuring head, the buffer tube comprising: a first inlet channel; a first outlet channel; a second inlet channel; a second outlet channel; an outer cylinder; an inner cylinder fixed to the same position as the outer cylinder a first flexible wire guide fixedly coupled to the first inlet passage, the first flexible wire guide extending helically around the inner cylinder and exiting the buffer tube through the first outlet passage, and wherein the first flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder; and a second flexible wire guide fixedly coupled to the second inlet passage, the second flexible wire guide extending helically around the inner cylinder and exiting the buffer tube through the second outlet passage, and wherein the second flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, the measuring head being configured to measure the amount of the first wire and the amount of the second wire in the wire buffer, respectively.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first outlet channel is rotated relative to the first inlet channel from greater than or equal to 0 degrees to less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first flexible wire guide is configured to translate relative to the first outlet channel.

[0033] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to receive a first wire that passes through the first entry channel and enters the first flexible wire guide.

[0034] In some embodiments, the measuring head includes: a first TOF sensor, a first linear rail, a first bracket, the first bracket being fixedly connected to a first flexible wire guide and movably mounted to the first linear rail along a first measuring axis of the first TOF sensor; and a second TOF sensor, a second linear rail, and a second bracket, the second bracket being fixedly connected to a second flexible wire guide and movably mounted to the second linear rail along a second measuring axis of the second TOF sensor.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first TOF sensor is configured to measure an amount of the first flexible wire guide stored within the wire buffer.

[0036] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to buffer a first wire by accumulating a first flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and is configured to simultaneously buffer a second wire by accumulating a second flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

[0037] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to buffer the first wire and the second wire by accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide, respectively, between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide increases the spiral diameter of the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide, respectively.

[0038] In some embodiments, the wire buffer is configured to buffer the first wire and the second wire by accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide, respectively, between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide increases the spiral diameter of the first flexible wire guide and the spiral diameter of the second flexible wire guide from 50 mm to 100 mm, respectively.

[0039] Additional embodiments and features are described in part in the following description, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the specification, or may be learned by practicing the present disclosure. A further understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure may be achieved by reference to the remainder of the specification and the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The description and claims will be more fully understood with reference to the following drawings and data graphs, which are presented as exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the invention.

[0041] Figure 1 A robotic WAAM system including a line buffer is conceptually illustrated according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 2 A robotic WAAM system including a multi-line buffer is conceptually illustrated according to an embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D A multi-line buffer according to an embodiment is conceptually illustrated.

[0044] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B Line buffers accommodating different amounts of line storage are conceptually illustrated according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 5 A measuring head component according to an embodiment is conceptually shown.

[0046] Figure 6 A multi-filar spiral buffer according to an embodiment is conceptually illustrated.

[0047] Figure 7 Conceptually illustrated is a graph depicting the amount of lines buffered in a line buffer according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 8 A multi-line buffer system according to an embodiment is conceptually illustrated.

[0049] Fig. 9 A measuring head according to an embodiment is conceptually shown.

[0050] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B Various views of a multi-wire buffer with the outer cylinder and flexible wire guides hidden are conceptually shown according to an embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B Conceptually illustrated are various views of a multi-line buffer with the final pipe hidden, according to an embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 12A A process for controlling feeder rate according to an embodiment is conceptually illustrated.

[0053] Fig. 12B A computer system according to an embodiment is conceptually illustrated.

[0054] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B A single-line flex buffer suitable for incorporation into a multi-line parallel buffer is conceptually illustrated in accordance with an embodiment.

[0055] Fig.14 A multi-wire parallel bend buffer formed from a plurality of attached single-wire bend buffers is conceptually illustrated according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In various embodiments, a multi-line buffer can provide many benefits for an additive manufacturing system, such as a wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) system. A multi-line buffer can significantly reduce the weight and / or complexity of an additive manufacturing system. In various embodiments, a multi-line buffer can be a line buffer capable of accumulating and dispensing one or more lines. In some embodiments, a multi-line buffer can accumulate and dispense one line. In some embodiments, a multi-line buffer can accumulate and dispense more than one line, such as two lines, or three lines, or four lines, or five lines, or more than five lines. In the present disclosure, multi-line buffers and line buffers are used interchangeably. A multi-line buffer and / or a line buffer refers to a line buffer capable of accumulating and dispensing at least one line. In some embodiments, a line can be fed to and / or dispensed from a multi-line buffer by a separate actuator. An actuator (e.g., an actuator that is not shared by other lines) can be dedicated to a single line. For example, by eliminating the need to install multiple dedicated single-line buffers to support multi-line buffers, a multi-line buffer can be used to reduce the system size installed on a robotic actuator of an additive manufacturing system.

[0057] In some embodiments, a multi-wire buffer can achieve higher mass deposition rates by using multiple wires. In several embodiments, the use of exotic alloys may require more wires; a multi-wire buffer can enable the development of high entropy alloys, which requires precise control of multiple metal alloys entering the molten pool independently and dynamically. In some embodiments, a multi-wire alloy can be deposited as follows:

[0058] Buffer Line 1: Alloy 1 (aluminum and scandium based alloy) deposited at a rate of approximately 1 inch per second.

[0059] • Buffer Line 2: Alloy 2 (aluminum and magnesium based alloy) deposited at a rate of approximately 2 inches per second.

[0060] • Buffer Line 3: Alloy 3 (aluminum-based alloy) deposited at a rate of approximately 4 inches per second.

[0061] • Buffer Line 4: Alloy 4 (a nickel-based alloy) deposited at a rate of approximately 8 inches per second.

[0062] This allows the dynamic changes of the alloy to be sampled spatially across the alloy in a time efficient manner. In several embodiments, the multi-line buffer also enables greater deposition rates:

[0063] • Buffer line 1 can be deposited at a speed of approximately 8 inches per second.

[0064] • The buffer line 2 can be deposited at a speed of approximately 8 inches per second.

[0065] • The buffer line 3 can be deposited at a speed of about 8 inches per second.

[0066] • The buffer line 4 can be deposited at a speed of about 8 inches per second.

[0067] The above-described deposition rates according to some embodiments provide a total mass deposited at a rate of approximately 32 inches per second, which may be much higher than rates available with conventional buffer techniques.

[0068] Turning now to the drawings. In various embodiments, the robotic WAAM system may include a wire buffer mounted to a robotic arm. According to one embodiment, Figure 1 1 , a robotic WAAM system including a wire buffer is conceptually shown. The robotic WAAM system 100 may include a wire buffer 102, a final motor 104, a welding nozzle 106, an unwinding motor 108, a spool 110, and a robotic arm 112. The unwinding motor 108 may receive a feed of wire from the spool 110. The wire buffer 102 may receive a feed of wire from the unwinding motor 108. The wire buffer 102 may store a certain amount of wire. The wire stored in the wire buffer 102 may be used to provide wire to the final motor 104. Storing the wire in the buffer may improve the accuracy of printing because the wire may be accurately advanced toward a point of interest (e.g., a molten pool). The buffer helps achieve this at least by reducing the force that the final motor 104 needs to apply compared to unwinding the wire using the final motor 104. The final motor 104 may provide a supply of wire to the welding nozzle 106. The wire buffer 102, the final motor 104, and the welding nozzle 106 may be mounted to the robotic arm 112.

[0069] Although specific components, processes and / or systems for a robotic WAAM system including a line buffer are described above, any of the various components, processes and / or systems may be used as a robotic WAAM system including a line buffer suitable for the requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the steps and / or components may be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration that is not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In multiple embodiments, some of the above steps may be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components may be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to a robotic WAAM system including a line buffer, the technology disclosed herein may be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein may be used in any line buffer and / or other component as described herein.

[0070] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a multi-wire buffer may be used to allow a robotic welding system to perform WAAM using multiple wires with a single buffer. Figure 2 A robotic WAAM system including a multi-wire buffer is conceptually illustrated in . The robotic WAAM system 200 may include a multi-wire buffer 202, a final motor 204, a welding nozzle 206, one or more unwind motors 208, one or more spools 210, and a robotic arm 212. The one or more unwind motors 208 may each receive a feed of wire from one or more spools 210 (e.g., on a one-to-one basis).

[0071] The multi-wire buffer 202 can receive a feed of wire from each of one or more unwind motors 208. The unwind motor can be coupled to a spool and can also unwind wire from the spool. The wire mounted on the spool can be unwound by an unwind motor (e.g., a dedicated unwind motor). The unwound one or more wires can be buffered in the multi-wire buffer simultaneously or sequentially. One or more wires can be pulled out of the multi-wire buffer by one or more final motors for use in a welding nozzle. In various embodiments, a single final motor can advance multiple wires. A single final motor can advance multiple wires at the same rate in multiple wires. In some embodiments, multiple final motors can advance multiple wires at a single rate or at multiple rates. The wire can be fed through the welding nozzle at a controlled rate (e.g., controlled by the final motor) to perform WAAM.

[0072] Although specific components, processes and / or systems for a robotic WAAM system including a multi-line buffer are described above, any of the various components, processes and / or systems may be used as a robotic WAAM system including a multi-line buffer suitable for the requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the steps and / or components may be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration that is not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In multiple embodiments, some of the above steps may be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components may be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to a robotic WAAM system including a multi-line buffer, the technology disclosed herein may be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein may be used in any line buffer and / or other component as described herein.

[0073] In some embodiments, a multi-line buffer can accumulate and distribute multiple lines. Figure 3A-3D A multi-line buffer is conceptually illustrated in FIG. 300. Multi-line buffer 300 may include a measurement head 302 and a multi-line buffer tube 304. The measurement head is discussed in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0074] The multi-wire buffer tube 304 may include an inner cylinder 306, an outer cylinder 308, one or more flexible wire guides 310, one or more wire inlet channels 312, one or more wire outlet channels 314, a proximal cover 316, and a distal cover 318. In various embodiments, the inner cylinder may be concentrically positioned within the outer cylinder. In other words, the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder may have a common central axis. The inner cylinder may be replaced by an internal structure (e.g., a rod, an extension, and / or other structure). In various embodiments, the internal structure may improve the entanglement performance of the flexible wire guide. The inner cylinder and the outer cylinder may have approximately equal lengths. In many embodiments, the inner cylinder and / or the outer cylinder may be attached to the proximal cover and / or the distal cover at the proximal end and / or the distal end, respectively.

[0075] The multi-wire buffer tube 304 may include a plurality (e.g., about 12; or greater than about 12; or less than about 12) of flexible wire guides 310, a plurality (e.g., about 12; or greater than about 12; or less than about 12) of wire inlet channels 312, and a plurality (e.g., about 12; or greater than about 12; or less than about 12) of wire outlet channels 314. The flexible wire guides may be configured to allow wires (e.g., wires for a WAAM) to be advanced through the flexible wire guides. The flexible wire guides may be fixedly coupled to respective wire inlet channels 312. This may be accomplished by mechanical means. The flexible wire guides 310 may be movable through the wire outlet channels 314. The amount of flexible wire guides within the multi-wire buffer tube may be a variable amount. The amount of flexible wire guides within the multi-wire buffer tube may correspond to the amount of wire stored within the wire buffer (e.g., a multi-wire buffer).

[0076] According to an embodiment of the utility model, a flexible wire guide can enter a multi-wire buffer tube through a wire inlet channel. The flexible wire guide can translate through the wire outlet channel (e.g., translate relative to the wire outlet channel). The flexible wire guide can be coiled around an internal structure (e.g., an inner cylinder) and / or can be fixed to the wire inlet channel. In various embodiments, the wire outlet channel and the inlet channel corresponding to a common flexible wire guide can be offset by a certain amount. The offset can be from about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees; or greater than or equal to about 0 degrees; or less than or equal to about 180 degrees. The offset can be an offset around a circumference. In some embodiments, a wire buffer with an offset of about 0 degrees can wrap around the tube at least once to produce a spiral. In some embodiments, a wire buffer with an offset greater than about 0 degrees can produce a spiral. In some embodiments, a wire buffer with an offset of about 0 degrees and about 0 windings may have no spiral.

[0077] Although specific components, processes and / or systems for multi-line buffers are described above, any of a variety of components, processes and / or systems may be used as a multi-line buffer suitable for the requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the steps and / or components may be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration that is not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In multiple embodiments, some of the above steps may be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components may be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to multi-line buffers, the technology disclosed herein may be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein may be used in any line buffer and / or other component as described herein.

[0078] In various embodiments, the amount of wire stored in the wire buffer may correspond to the amount of flexible wire guide pushed into the buffer. Figure 4A and Figure 4B 4. A wire buffer accommodating different amounts of wire storage is conceptually illustrated in FIG. 4. A multi-wire buffer 400 can be similar in various aspects to the wire buffers described herein. The multi-wire buffer 400 can accommodate varying amounts of flexible wire guides 402 (e.g., the flexible wire guides and contained wires). According to many embodiments of the present invention, the length of the flexible wire guides 402 within the tube of the multi-wire buffer (e.g., the amount of buffered wire) can be measured based on the length 406 of the flexible wire guides extending into the measurement head 408.

[0079] In many embodiments, the wire can be buffered by increasing the length of the wire stored in the wire buffer. The increased length of wire in the wire buffer can be accommodated by moving additional flexible wire guides into the multi-wire buffer tube. In some embodiments, when additional flexible wire guides are moved into the multi-wire buffer tube to accommodate longer wires, the flexible wire guides can be pushed radially out of the center axis of the wire buffer. In such embodiments, the diameter of the inner spiral of the flexible wire guide increases. In some embodiments, the flexible wire guide is radially closer to the center axis of the wire buffer to accommodate shorter wires. In such embodiments, the diameter of the inner spiral of the flexible wire guide decreases. The dislocation of the flexible wire guide can be between a minimum diameter corresponding to an internal structure (e.g., an inner cylinder) and a maximum diameter corresponding to an external structure (e.g., an outer cylinder). Figure 4A Flexible wire guides 402 are shown in a first position corresponding to a first diameter (eg, 50 mm), and a first amount of flexible wire guides exterior to the multi-wire buffer tube. Figure 4B The flexible wire guide 402 is shown in a second position corresponding to a second diameter (e.g., 100 mm) and a second amount of the flexible wire guide outside the multi-wire buffer tube. In several embodiments, the diameter of the inner spiral of the flexible wire guide increases as the flexible wire guide is advanced into the multi-wire buffer tube.

[0080] In various embodiments, as more wire is stored in the line buffer, it pulls more flexible wire guides into the buffer. The buffer can store a variable number of flexible wire guides. Additional flexible wire guides can be stored by increasing the spiral diameter of the flexible wire guide (e.g., from about 50mm to about 100mm). In some embodiments, the spiral diameter of the flexible wire guide can be the maximum diameter of the outer structure. In some embodiments, by increasing the winding frequency of the flexible wire guide around the spiral, more flexible wire guides can be stored in the line buffer even if the flexible wire guide is firmly pressed on the outer cylinder. Certain embodiments can wrap the flexible wire guide around the line buffer at least once, such as once, twice, three times or more than three times. In the length of the flexible wire guide, this can explain the increase in the amount of flexible wire guides stored in the buffer. In some embodiments, increasing the spiral diameter of the guide tube from about 50mm to about 100mm can produce a line of about 114.2mm long, which can be stored in the line buffer. When more flexible wire guides are stored in the line buffer, the amount of the flexible wire guide extending can be shortened. In various embodiments, the flexible wire guide contains the wire and the length of the guide tube in the multi-wire buffer is equal to the length of the wire stored in the multi-wire buffer.

[0081] Although specific components, processes and / or systems for line buffers that accommodate different amounts of line storage are described above, any of a variety of components, processes and / or systems may be used as line buffers that accommodate different amounts of line storage to suit the requirements of a particular application. In certain embodiments, the steps and / or components may be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration that is not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In a number of embodiments, some of the above steps may be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components may be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to line buffers that accommodate different amounts of line storage, the technology disclosed herein may be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein may be used in any line buffer and / or other component as described herein.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the amount of wire in the buffer can be determined based on the amount of guide wire extending from the wire buffer. In various embodiments, the measuring head can perform a flexible wire guide length measurement. According to one embodiment, Figure 5 The measuring head components are shown conceptually in FIG. Figure 5The measuring head 500 (partially shown in FIG. 5 ) may include a carriage 502, a reflector 504, a track 506, a flexible wire guide 508, a time of flight (TOF) laser 510, and a TOF sensor 512. The carriage 502 may be movably coupled to the track 506. The carriage may be fixedly (e.g., to prevent relative movement) coupled to the guide tube 508. The feeder 514 may travel inside the flexible wire guide 508. The advancement of the carriage 502 corresponds (e.g., on a one-to-one basis) to the advancement of the flexible wire guide 508. The flexible wire guide 508 may accumulate in a line buffer accumulator (e.g., a multi-line buffer tube) as it advances. The TOF sensor 512 may be positioned to measure the distance between the TOF sensor 512 and the carriage 504. The measurement provided by the TOF sensor may be performed along a measurement axis. The measurement may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide tube 508. In various embodiments, the number of lines buffered within a line buffer may be determined based on a TOF measurement (eg, as described elsewhere herein).

[0083] According to many embodiments of the present invention, the measuring head may have a radial array of distance measuring devices (e.g. Figure 5 ). In some embodiments, the purpose of each subunit of the radial array of distance measuring devices is to measure the length of the guide tube extending from the multi-wire buffer tube. The length of the extended guide tube can be equivalent to the amount of feeder wire within the system. In many embodiments, the track and bracket can include a linear track to limit the movement of the guide tube to one axis so that it can be easily measured. In various embodiments, the TOF sensor can read the distance to the reflector. The distance can then be sent from the sensor to a computer system. The distance can be a measurement of the amount of wire within the buffer, or can correspond to the amount of wire.

[0084] Although specific components, processes and / or systems for measuring head components are described above, any of the various components, processes and / or systems can be used as a measuring head component suitable for the requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the steps and / or components can be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration that is not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In multiple embodiments, some of the above steps can be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components can be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to the measuring head component, the technology disclosed herein can be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein can be used in any line buffer and / or other components as described herein.

[0085] According to one embodiment, Figure 6 A multi-wire buffer is conceptually illustrated in FIG. The depicted example shows a multi-wire buffer 600, which includes a first flexible wire guide 602, a second flexible wire guide 604, a proximal end 606, and a distal end 608. In various embodiments, the multi-wire buffer can accommodate 1 or more (e.g., up to 12) flexible wire guides. There can be two end caps, a proximal end 606 and a distal end 608. The end caps can serve as mounting brackets to hold the entire multi-wire spiral buffer together. Between the end caps 606 and 608 can be an outer barrel 610. The outer barrel head 610 can determine a limit, which can be the maximum allowable space (e.g., maximum radial expansion) that a flexible wire guide (e.g., flexible wire guide 602, flexible wire guide 604, and / or other flexible wire guides) can fill. The inner barrel 612 can define an interior space 614 of the multi-wire buffer together with the outer barrel 610.

[0086] According to various embodiments of the utility model, the wire buffer tube can hold the wire (e.g., one wire for each flexible wire guide) in place and act as a guide for the wire. This can be helpful to ensure that the wire is easy to load. According to an embodiment of the utility model, the wire buffer tube can be restricted at the proximal end and move freely along the distal end. When the wire fills the multi-wire buffer, the multi-wire buffer can pull or push the flexible wire guide into the cavity (e.g., the internal space, the internal space 614) between the two end caps and the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. The flexible wire guide can extend from the proximal end or the distal end of the buffer. Adding wire can move the flexible wire guide into the buffer, and removing wire can move the flexible wire guide out of the buffer. The flexible wire guide can move between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. When the buffer is empty, the flexible wire guide can be tightened on the inner cylinder, and / or when the wire buffer is filled, the flexible wire guide can expand outward to the outer cylinder. In many embodiments, the free end of the flexible wire guide can be measured, so that the amount of wire in the flexible wire guide can be estimated. In several embodiments, each flexible wire guide can enter the internal space of the multi-wire buffer at the proximal side of the multi-wire buffer (e.g., through a channel), coil around an internal structure (e.g., an inner cylinder) and / or be secured (e.g., at an entry channel) to the distal end of the multi-wire buffer tube.

[0087] In some embodiments, the system may have a linear potentiometer and / or a TOF sensor to measure the buffer level of the line buffer. In various embodiments, when the multi-line buffer has multiple wires, the wires differ from each other in diameter and / or material. In some embodiments, the first flexible wire guide may have a wire with a diameter of approximately 1.75 mm, and the second flexible wire guide may have an aluminum wire with a diameter of approximately 1.2 mm.

[0088] According to one embodiment, Figure 7A graph depicting the amount of lines buffered in a line buffer is conceptually shown in In various embodiments, a process may determine the amount of lines buffered in a line buffer based on data received from a TOF sensor. Figure 7 The TOF sensor data is displayed. Figure 7 In , when the incoming wire is contained in the sensor, the distance drops to about 37mm. Figure 7 When the motor finally accelerates, the line buffer empties and the data rises to about 128mm.

[0089] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a multi-wire buffer system may include an unwind motor, a spiral buffer tube, a measuring head, a distal final guide, and / or a final motor. A buffer (e.g., a multi-wire buffer) system may be configured to be coupled to a robotic arm and / or an additive manufacturing torch. In many embodiments, the buffer system may be adapted to provide one or more wires for a WAAM process and / or another additive manufacturing process. According to one embodiment, in Figure 8 800. The multi-line buffer system 800 can include an unwinding motor 802, a spiral buffer tube 804, a measuring head 806, a distal final guide 808, and / or a final motor 810. The unwinding motor 802 can advance the wire from a wire source (e.g., a spool) into the spiral buffer tube 804. The wire can be advanced into an entry channel 812. The entry channel 812 can be fixedly coupled to a flexible wire guide 814. The wire can be advanced through (e.g., along a channel within the flexible wire guide) the flexible wire guide 814. The flexible wire guide 814 can pass through an exit channel 816 on an end of the spiral buffer tube opposite to the entry channel 812. The entry channel 812 and the exit channel 816 can be offset by about 180 degrees. The flexible wire guide 814 can move through the exit channel 816 and enter the measuring head 806.

[0090] According to many embodiments of the present invention, a multi-wire buffer can accommodate buffering of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 12, or another number) wires. For each wire that the multi-wire buffer can accommodate, the multi-wire buffer can include an entry channel, a flexible wire guide, an exit channel, a protrusion measurement system (e.g., a portion of a measurement head for measuring the position of the flexible wire guide), and / or a final guide tube.

[0091] The spiral buffer tube 804 can have an inner structure 818 (e.g., a tube) and an outer structure 820 (e.g., a tube). The inner structure 818 and the outer structure 820 can be concentric, have a common longitudinal axis, and can be hollow tubes. The flexible wire guide 814 can be spiraled around the inner structure 818 and contained between the inner surface of the outer structure 820 and the outer surface of the inner structure 818. The flexible wire guide 814 is arranged in a spiral shape to guide the wire contained therein to move spirally within the buffer tube 804. The flexible wire guide 814 can be configured as a sheath, hose, or sheath, for example. In several embodiments, the inner structure provides the advantage of anti-entanglement. In several embodiments, the outer structure and / or the inner structure can be formed of a transparent material. This can be advantageous for visual inspection of the wire buffer system.

[0092] According to several embodiments of the present invention, the measurement head may include a flexible wire guide protrusion length (eg, the length of the flexible wire guide protruding from the multi-wire buffer tube) measurement system for each wire accommodated by the multi-wire buffer system. Figure 8 As depicted in , the wire can be fed into the wire buffer on the entry channel side and can exit the buffer system through the final guide side. In several embodiments, the radius of the bend in the wire can be approximately 7-11 inches.

[0093] Although specific components, processes and / or systems for a multi-line buffer system are described above, any of the various components, processes and / or systems may be used as a multi-line buffer system suitable for the requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the steps and / or components may be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration that is not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In multiple embodiments, some of the above steps may be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components may be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to a multi-line buffer system, the technology disclosed herein may be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein may be used in any line buffer and / or other component as described herein.

[0094] In several embodiments, the multi-line buffer system may include a measurement head. According to one embodiment, Fig. 9900 is conceptually shown in the figure. In various embodiments, the measuring head can be a multi-line measuring head. The multi-line measuring head can be configured to measure the length of the flexible line guide for each line accommodated by the multi-line buffer. In some embodiments, for each accommodated line, the multi-line measuring head can include a linear guide, a reflector for a TOF sensor, and / or a TOF sensor. The measuring head 900 can include a first TOF sensor 902, a first TOF reflector 904, and a first linear guide 906. The measuring head 900 can also include a second TOF sensor 908, a second TOF reflector 910, and a second linear guide 912. In many embodiments, the TOF reflector is configured to be coupled to the flexible line guide. The measuring head 900 can include a body. The body can have an outlet channel 914 around the circumference at a first portion 916. The first end 916 can be mounted with a first TOF sensor 902 and a second TOF sensor 908. The second portion 918 can extend from the first portion 916. The first linear guide 906 and the second linear guide 912 can be mounted to the second portion 918. The first reflector 904 and the second reflector 910 can be coupled and can travel along the first linear guide 906 and the second linear guide 912, respectively. According to many embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the outlet channel (e.g., outlet channel 914) can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear guides.

[0095] Although specific components, processes and / or systems for measuring heads are described above, any of the various components, processes and / or systems may be used as a measuring head suitable for the requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the steps and / or components may be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration that is not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In a number of embodiments, some of the above steps may be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components may be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to a measuring head, the technology disclosed herein may be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein may be used in any line buffer and / or other component as described herein.

[0096] The multi-wire buffer may include a multi-wire buffer tube, a measuring head and / or a distal flexible wire guide. Figure 10A-10B1000 is conceptually shown with the outer cylinder and flexible wire guide hidden. The multi-wire buffer 1000 may include a measurement head 1002, a multi-wire buffer tube 1004, and a distal flexible wire guide 1006. The multi-wire buffer tube 1004 may include an inner cylinder 1008. The distal flexible wire guide 1006 may include a final tube 1010 for each of a plurality of (e.g., 12) wires. The multi-wire buffer tube 1004 may include an inlet channel 1012 and a wire outlet channel 1014 for each of a plurality of (e.g., 12) wires.

[0097] In various embodiments, the wire buffer may include a bracket. The bracket is suitable for attaching the wire buffer to the robot.

[0098] Although specific components, processes and / or systems for multi-line buffers are described above, any of a variety of components, processes and / or systems may be used as a multi-line buffer suitable for the requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the steps and / or components may be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration that is not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In multiple embodiments, some of the above steps may be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components may be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to multi-line buffers, the technology disclosed herein may be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein may be used in any line buffer and / or other component as described herein.

[0099] According to one embodiment, Figure 11A-11B 1 , a multi-wire buffer without a final tube is conceptually illustrated. The multi-wire buffer 1100 may include a measurement head 1102 and a multi-wire buffer tube 1104. The multi-wire buffer tube 1104 may include an inner cylinder 1106 and an outer cylinder 1108. The multi-wire buffer tube 1104 may include a wire inlet channel 1112, a wire outlet channel 1114, and an interior space 1116 for accommodating each of a plurality of (e.g., 12) wires.

[0100] Although specific components, processes and / or systems for multi-line buffers are described above, any of a variety of components, processes and / or systems may be used as a multi-line buffer suitable for the requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the steps and / or components may be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration that is not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In multiple embodiments, some of the above steps may be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components may be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to multi-line buffers, the technology disclosed herein may be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein may be used in any line buffer and / or other component as described herein.

[0101] In some embodiments, a process may control the feed rate (e.g., of one or more lines) into and / or out of a line buffer. Fig. 12A A process for controlling a wire feed rate is conceptually illustrated in . Process 1200 can set ( 1202 ) a wire feed speed. Setting the wire feed speed can include controlling a final motor speed. The final motor can control wire advancement (e.g., advancement of the wire toward a deposition site in a WAAM process). Fig. 12A , output motor 2 may refer to the final motor. Based on the wire feed speed, process 1200 may calculate (1204) an unwind motor speed. The unwind motor may be configured to advance the wire into a wire buffer. In various embodiments, the motor speed may be calculated so that the amount of wire in the buffer is constant (e.g., wire input equals wire output). Process 1200 may read (1206) a wire buffer position. The wire buffer position reading may indicate the amount of wire currently stored in the wire buffer. In several embodiments, reading the wire buffer position may include determining the amount of wire stored based on information received from a measurement head, other wire quantity measurement system, and / or another source. When it is determined that the wire buffer contains less than full (e.g., 50%), process 1200 may accelerate (1208) motor 1 (e.g., an unwind motor). In many embodiments, accelerating the unwind motor may increase the rate at which the wire buffer accumulates wire. When it is determined that the wire buffer contains more than full (e.g., 50%), process 1200 may slow down (1210) motor 1 (e.g., an unwind motor). In many embodiments, slowing down the unwind motor can increase the rate at which the line buffer is emptied of line. Process 1200 can change the speed of motor 1 (e.g., the unwind motor) by setting 1212 the motor speed of motor 1 based on the line buffer position (1206) and / or the gear ratio (1214) between the two motors. Fig. 12A, Motor 1 is the unwind (e.g., de-winding) motor. This unwinding can provide slack in the system. Motor 2 is the final motor and can precisely push the line at a specified speed. In some embodiments, a line buffer system can improve the ability of Motor 2 to precisely push the line. In many embodiments, the line buffer can hold excess line so the final motor (e.g., Motor 2) can easily pull the slack in the line when needed.

[0102] In many embodiments, the process can be an algorithm configured to control one or more (e.g., two) motors. In some embodiments, the process can control multi-line buffering rates and / or can control two motors per line. The process can be executed on a computer system.

[0103] In various embodiments, the user can set the speed of the line feeder. Motor 2 can rotate in response to the setting. The corresponding speed for motor 1 can be dynamically calculated as follows. In some embodiments, the microcontroller can determine the line buffer position. Determining the line buffer position can rely on the position of the TOF laser reading the line buffer reflector. In various embodiments, when the line buffer is full, the reflector can read 10mm, when the line buffer is empty, the reflector can read 100mm, and / or when the line buffer is half full, the reflector can read 55mm.

[0104] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the TOF sensor can report its position to the microcontroller. The report can use the I2C (IIC) protocol. The microcontroller can compare the position with the half-full position. When the line buffer is fuller than the half position, it will cause the unwinding motor to slow down. When the line buffer is in the half position, the speed can remain constant. When the line buffer is less than half full, the microcontroller can speed up the unwinding motor. In many embodiments, the new speed can be determined by the computer system. The new speed can be used as the basis for the command speed for controlling the motor. The motor movement function can be determined based on the adjustment of the speed based on the gear ratio of the unwinding motor, because it usually downshifts to provide more torque.

[0105] In some embodiments, the processor may be a processing unit of a computer system. Fig. 12B A computer system 1201 is shown that can be configured to implement any computing system disclosed in this application. The computer system 1201 can include a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wearable device, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a central server, etc.

[0106] The computer system 1201 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also referred to herein as a "processor" and "computer processor") 1205, which can be a single-core or multi-core processor or more than one processor for parallel processing. As described above, the CPU can be a processor. The computer system 1201 also includes a memory or memory location 1211 (e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), an electronic storage unit 1215 (e.g., a hard disk), a communication interface 1220 (e.g., a network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripherals 1225, such as cache memory, other memory, data storage, and / or an electronic display adapter. In some cases, the communication interface can allow the computer to communicate with another device, such as an imaging device or an audio device. The computer can receive input data from the connected device for analysis. The memory 1211, the storage unit 1215, the interface 1220, and the peripherals 1225 communicate with the CPU 1205 via a communication bus (solid line) such as a motherboard. The storage unit 1215 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. Computer system 1201 can be operably coupled to a computer network ("network") 1230 by means of communication interface 1220. Network 1230 can be the Internet, the Internet and / or an extranet, or an intranet and / or an extranet in communication with the Internet. In some cases, network 1230 is a telecommunications and / or data network. Network 1230 may include one or more computer servers, which may enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. In some cases, with the aid of computer system 1201, network 1230 may implement a peer-to-peer network that enables devices coupled to computer system 1201 to operate as clients or servers.

[0107] The CPU 1205 may execute a series of machine-readable instructions, which may be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 1211. The instructions may be directed to the CPU 1205, which may then program or otherwise configure the CPU 1205 to implement the methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 1205 may include reading, decoding, executing, and writing back.

[0108] The method and system of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more algorithms. The algorithm may be implemented by software after being executed by the central processor 1205. The algorithm may, for example, divide the computer model of the part according to the hierarchy, receive user input data to modify one or more parameters, and generate machine code.

[0109] CPU 1205 may be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of system 1201 may be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0110] Storage unit 1215 can store files, such as drivers, libraries, and saved programs. Storage unit 1215 can store user data, such as user preferences and user programs. In some cases, computer system 1201 may include one or more additional data storage units that are external to computer system 1201, such as located on a remote server that communicates with computer system 1201 via an intranet or the Internet.

[0111] The memory 1211 may be a volatile or nonvolatile, magnetic, semiconductor, tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other type of storage device or tangible and / or non-transitory computer-readable medium storing programs, such as an interactive slicer and an operating system. Common forms of non-transitory media include, for example, flash drives, floppy disks, hard disks, solid-state drives, tapes or other magnetic data storage media, CD-ROMs or other optical data storage media, any physical medium with a pattern of holes, RAM, PROMs and EPROMs, FLASH-EPROMs or other flash memory, NVRAM, caches, registers, or other memory chips or cartridges, and networked versions thereof.

[0112] Memory 1211 can store instructions that enable the processor to execute one or more applications, such as interactive slicers and operating systems, and any other type of application or software available or executable on the computer system. Alternatively or additionally, instructions, applications, etc. can be stored in an internal and / or external database (e.g., a cloud storage system, not shown) that communicates directly with the computing device, such as one or more databases or memories accessible via one or more networks (not shown). Memory 1211 may include one or more memory devices that store data and instructions that can be used to perform one or more features provided herein. Memory 1211 may also include any combination of one or more databases controlled by a memory controller device (e.g., a server, etc.) or software, such as a document management system, a Microsoft SQL database, a SharePoint database, an Oracle database, a Sybase database, or other relational databases. Data used in the slicing process (e.g., a hierarchy), rules for dividing the model corresponding to each hierarchy, valid ranges for some or all parameters, printer configurations, printer specifications, etc. can be stored in one or more databases.

[0113] Computer system 1201 can be connected to one or more remote memory devices (e.g., remote databases, not shown) via network communication. Remote memory devices can be configured to store information that computer system 1201 can access and / or manage. For example, remote memory devices can be document management systems, Microsoft SQL databases, SharePoint databases, Oracle databases, Sybase databases, Cassandra, HBase or other relational or non-relational databases or conventional files. However, the systems and methods provided herein are not limited to separate databases, or are not even limited to the use of databases.

[0114] Computer system 1201 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems via network 1230. For example, computer system 1201 can communicate with a user's remote computer system. Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers, tablets or tablet computers, smart phones, personal digital assistants, etc. Users can access computer system 1201 via network 1230.

[0115] The methods as described herein may be implemented by means of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the computer system 1201, such as the memory 1211 or the electronic storage unit 1215. The machine executable or machine readable code may be provided in the form of software. During use, the code may be executed by the processor 1205. In some cases, the code may be retrieved from the storage unit 1215 and stored on the memory 1211 for ready access by the processor 1205. In some cases, the electronic storage unit 1215 may be excluded and the machine executable instructions may be stored on the memory 1211.

[0116] The code may be precompiled and configured for use with a machine having a processor suitable for executing the code, or may be compiled during runtime. The code may be provided in a programming language that may be selected so that the code can be executed in a precompiled or as-compiled manner.

[0117] Various aspects of the systems and methods provided herein (such as computer system 1201) can be embodied as programming. Various aspects of the technology can be considered as "products" or "articles of manufacture" in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and / or related data, which are usually carried out or embodied in a machine-readable medium. The machine executable code can be stored in an electronic storage unit such as a memory (e.g., read-only memory, random access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk. "Storage" type media can include any or all tangible memories of a computer, processor, etc., or their related modules, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives, etc., which can provide non-temporary storage for software programming at any time. All or part of the software can sometimes communicate through the Internet or various other telecommunications networks. For example, such communication can enable software to be loaded from one computer or processor to another computer or processor, for example, from a management server or host to a computer platform of an application server. Therefore, another type of medium that can carry software elements includes optical waves, radio waves, and electromagnetic waves such as physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and fiber optic landline networks, and used on various air links. Physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links, etc., can also be considered media that carry software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible "storage" media, terms such as computer or machine "readable media" refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0118] Thus, machine-readable media (such as computer executable code) may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to tangible storage media, carrier media, or physical transmission media. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any storage device in any computer, etc., such as may be used to implement a database, etc., as shown in the accompanying drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as the main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and optical fiber, including the wires that make up a bus within a computer system. Carrier transmission media may take the form of electrical or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Thus, common forms of computer-readable media include, for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, a DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, a punched card paper tape, any other physical storage medium with a punched pattern, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave that transmits data or instructions, a cable or link that transmits such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read programming code and / or data. Many of these forms of computer-readable media can participate in transmitting one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0119] The computer system 1201 may include or communicate with an electronic display 1235 that includes a user interface 1240 for providing, for example, a scanning interface or a shoe purchase interface. Examples of UIs include, but are not limited to, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and web-based user interfaces. Alternatively, the user interface may be a separate user interface.

[0120] The method and system of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more algorithms. The algorithms may be implemented by software after being executed by the central processor 1205 .

[0121] Although specific components, processes and / or systems for the process of controlling the feeder rate are described above, any of the various components, processes and / or systems can be used as a process for controlling the feeder rate suitable for the requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the steps and / or components can be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration that is not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In multiple embodiments, some of the above steps can be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components can be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to the process for controlling the feeder rate, the technology disclosed herein can be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein can be used in any line buffer and / or other components as described herein.

[0122] Multi-line buffers formed in parallel based on single-line buffers

[0123] In various embodiments of the present invention, a multi-line buffer may include a set of curved (eg, banana-shaped) single-line buffers arranged in parallel. Figure 13A-13B A curved single line buffer suitable for incorporation into a multi-line parallel buffer is conceptually illustrated. The single line buffer 1300 may include a buffer measurement bar 1302. The buffer measurement bar 1302 may measure the position of the line from a high position 1304 to a low position 1306. In various embodiments, the high position corresponds to the maximum line capacity of the buffer. In many embodiments, the low position corresponds to the minimum line capacity of the buffer. The single line buffer may also include a line entry 1308 and a line exit 1310. In Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Middle: Line 1301 is the position of the line when it is fully buffered (+100mm); Line 1322 is the position when the buffer is empty (-100mm); The amount of line that can be buffered is 100-200mm. The buffer measurement bar can be a measuring device. The buffer measurement bar can be a linear potentiometer, a rotary potentiometer, a TOF sensor, and / or some other method of measuring the difference between line positions.

[0124] In some embodiments, buffer electronics can be integrated into a curved single-line buffer. Buffer electronics 1320 can be integrated into the flat profile of single-line buffer 1300. Electronics 1320 can be as flat as the rest of the buffer, making stacking multiple buffers easier.

[0125] In some embodiments, the wires may be in a bent or curved single wire buffer (e.g., as Fig.13A and Fig. 13B as shown) buffered or stored.

[0126] Although specific components, processes and / or systems of banana single-line buffers suitable for incorporation into multi-line parallel buffers are described above, any of the various components, processes and / or systems can be used as a curved single-line buffer suitable for incorporation into a multi-line parallel buffer to suit the requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the steps and / or components can be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration that is not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In a number of embodiments, some of the above steps can be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components can be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to a curved single-line buffer suitable for incorporation into a multi-line parallel buffer, the technology disclosed herein can be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein can be used in any line buffer and / or other component as described herein.

[0127] According to one embodiment, Fig.14 1400 is conceptually shown as a multi-wire parallel bend buffer formed from multiple attached single-wire bend buffers. The multi-wire banana buffer 1400 may include multiple single-wire buffers 1300 arranged in parallel. In several embodiments, a latching mechanism and / or hinge may allow the multi-wire bend buffer to open. In some embodiments, the multi-wire parallel bend may open like a book and / or may slide, whereby a single wire holder (e.g., a single-wire bend buffer subsystem) may slide apart to view and / or load each wire.

[0128] Although specific components, processes and / or systems for a multi-line parallel banana buffer formed by a plurality of attached single-line banana buffers are described above, any of a variety of components, processes and / or systems may be used as a multi-line parallel banana buffer formed by a plurality of attached single-line banana buffers to suit the requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the steps and / or components may be performed and / or configured in any order, sequence and / or configuration not limited to the order, sequence and / or configuration shown and described. In a number of embodiments, some of the above steps may be performed or performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel where appropriate to reduce waiting time and processing time. In some embodiments, one or more of the above steps and / or components may be rearranged or omitted. Although the above embodiments of the utility model are described with reference to a multi-line parallel banana buffer formed by a plurality of attached single-line banana buffers, the technology disclosed herein may be used in any type of additive manufacturing system. The technology disclosed herein may be used in any line buffer and / or other component as described herein.

[0129] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a multi-wire buffer may be a wire buffer having a single wire. A multi-wire buffer may be a component capable of buffering one or more wires used in an additive manufacturing system. A flexible wire guide may be a small polytetrafluoroethylene (or other material) tube that may guide the wire through the multi-wire buffer. An inner cylinder may limit the internal space that a flexible wire guide may occupy. An outer cylinder may limit the internal space that a flexible wire guide may occupy.

[0130] Principle of Equivalence

[0131] For the purpose of illustration and description, this description of the utility model has been presented. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the utility model to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible based on the teachings above. The embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the utility model and its practical application. This description will enable other technical personnel in the field to best utilize and practice the utility model in a variety of embodiments and with a variety of modifications such as suitable for a particular purpose. The scope of the utility model is defined by the appended claims.

[0132] As used herein, the singular terms "a", "an", and "the" may include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to an object in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one", unless explicitly stated as such, but rather "one or more".

[0133] In the present disclosure, the words "including," "such as," "for example," and related terms are not closed-ended and should be interpreted as having the explanatory language "but not limited to." Likewise, the term "including" is also not closed-ended, but should be interpreted such that what follows does not limit what precedes the term.

[0134] As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately" are used to describe and illustrate minor variations. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, these terms may refer to a situation where the event or circumstance occurs exactly, or to a situation where the event or circumstance is very close. When used in conjunction with a numerical value, these terms may refer to a range of variation of less than or equal to ±10% of the numerical value, such as less than or equal to ±5%, less than or equal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1%, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.1%, or less than or equal to ±0.05%.

[0135] In addition, amounts, ratios and other numerical values ​​may sometimes be presented in a range format herein. It should be understood that this range format is used for convenience and brevity, and should be flexibly understood to include numerical values ​​clearly specified as range limits, and also include all single numerical values ​​or subranges encompassed within the range, as if each numerical value and subrange were clearly specified. For example, a ratio within the range of about 1 to about 200 should be understood to include clearly enumerated limitations of about 1 to about 200, and also include single ratios such as about 2, about 3 and about 4, and subranges such as about 10 to about 50, about 20 to about 100, etc.

[0136] The present disclosure relates to but is not limited to the following items.

[0137] 1. A line buffer capable of buffering one or more lines, the line buffer comprising:

[0138] A buffer tube, the buffer tube comprising:

[0139] Entryway;

[0140] Exit channels;

[0141] outer cylinder;

[0142] an inner cylinder, the inner cylinder being fixed at a position coaxial with the outer cylinder; and

[0143] a flexible wire guide coupled to the inlet passage, the flexible wire guide extending helically around the inner cylinder and exiting the buffer tube through the outlet passage; wherein the flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder; and

[0144] A measuring head is configured to measure the amount of line in the line buffer.

[0145] 2. The line buffer of clause 1, wherein the outlet channel is rotated relative to the inlet channel by greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0146] 3. The wire buffer of clause 1, wherein the flexible wire guide is translatable relative to the outlet channel.

[0147] 4. The wire buffer of clause 1, wherein the wire buffer is configured to receive the wire, the wire passing through the entry channel and entering the flexible wire guide.

[0148] 5. The line buffer of clause 1, further comprising a second inlet channel, a second guide tube, and a second outlet channel.

[0149] 6. A line buffer according to clause 1, wherein the measurement head comprises a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a linear track and a bracket, the bracket being fixedly connected to the flexible line guide and movably mounted to the linear track along a measurement axis of the TOF sensor.

[0150] 7. The line buffer of clause 6, further comprising a second TOF sensor, a second linear track, and a second bracket.

[0151] 8. The wire buffer of clause 6, wherein the TOF sensor is configured to measure an amount of the flexible wire guide stored within the wire buffer.

[0152] 9. The line buffer of clause 1, wherein the line buffer is configured to buffer a plurality of lines.

[0153] 10. The line buffer of clause 1, wherein the line buffer is configured to buffer multiple lines simultaneously.

[0154] 11. The wire buffer of clause 1, wherein the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

[0155] 12. The wire buffer of clause 1, wherein the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the flexible wire guide increases the helical diameter of the flexible wire guide.

[0156] 13. A wire buffer according to clause 1, wherein the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the flexible wire guide increases the spiral diameter of the flexible wire guide from 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0157] 14. A wire buffer system for advancing one or more wires to a deposition site, the wire buffer system comprising:

[0158] Line buffer;

[0159] an unwind motor configured to feed wire into the wire buffer; and

[0160] a motor configured to advance the line out of the line buffer;

[0161] Wherein, the line buffer comprises:

[0162] A buffer tube, the buffer tube comprising:

[0163] Entryway;

[0164] Exit channels;

[0165] outer cylinder;

[0166] an inner cylinder, the inner cylinder being fixed at a position coaxial with the outer cylinder; and

[0167] a flexible wire guide fixedly coupled to the inlet passage, the flexible wire guide extending helically around the inner cylinder and exiting the buffer tube through the outlet passage, and wherein the flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder; and

[0168] A measuring head is configured to measure the amount of line in the line buffer.

[0169] 15. The line buffer system of clause 14, wherein the outlet channel is rotated relative to the inlet channel by greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0170] 16. The wire buffer system of clause 14, wherein the flexible wire guide is configured to translate relative to the exit channel.

[0171] 17. The wire buffer system of clause 14, wherein the wire buffer is configured to receive the wire, the wire passing through the entry channel and into the flexible wire guide.

[0172] 18. The wire buffer system of clause 14, further comprising a second inlet channel, a second flexible wire guide, and a second outlet channel.

[0173] 19. The wire buffer system of clause 14, wherein the measurement head comprises a TOF sensor, a linear track, and a carriage fixedly coupled to the flexible wire guide and movably mounted to the linear track along a measurement axis of the TOF sensor.

[0174] 20. The line buffer system of clause 19, further comprising a second TOF sensor, a second linear track, and a second bracket.

[0175] 21. The wire buffer system of clause 19, wherein the TOF sensor is configured to measure an amount of flexible wire guide stored within the wire buffer.

[0176] 22. The line buffer system of clause 14, wherein the line buffer is configured to buffer a plurality of lines.

[0177] 23. The wire buffer system of clause 14, wherein the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

[0178] 24. The wire buffer system of clause 14, wherein the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the flexible wire guide increases the helical diameter of the flexible wire guide.

[0179] 25. A wire buffer system according to clause 14, wherein the wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the flexible wire guide increases the spiral diameter of the flexible wire guide from 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0180] 26. The wire buffer system of clause 14, further comprising a second unwind motor.

[0181] 27. A wire buffer system for advancing two or more wires to a deposition site, the wire buffer system comprising:

[0182] Line buffer;

[0183] a first unwind motor configured to feed a first wire into the wire buffer;

[0184] a second unwind motor configured to feed a second wire into the wire buffer;

[0185] a motor configured to advance the first and second wires out of the wire buffer; and

[0186] Wherein, the line buffer comprises:

[0187] A buffer tube, the buffer tube comprising:

[0188] First entrance passage;

[0189] First exit channel;

[0190] Second entryway;

[0191] Second exit channel;

[0192] outer cylinder;

[0193] An inner cylinder, wherein the inner cylinder is fixed at a position coaxial with the outer cylinder;

[0194] a first flexible wire guide fixedly coupled to the first inlet passage, the first flexible wire guide extending helically around the inner cylinder and exiting the buffer tube through the first outlet passage, and wherein the first flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder; and

[0195] a second flexible wire guide fixedly coupled to the second inlet passage, the second flexible wire guide extending helically around the inner cylinder and exiting the buffer tube through the second outlet passage, and wherein the second flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder; and

[0196] A measuring head is configured to measure the amount of the first line and the amount of the second line in the line buffer, respectively.

[0197] 28. The line buffer system of clause 27, wherein the first outlet channel is rotated relative to the first inlet channel from greater than or equal to 0 degrees to less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0198] 29. The wire buffer system of clause 27, wherein the first flexible wire guide is configured to translate relative to the first exit channel.

[0199] 30. The wire buffer system of clause 27, wherein the wire buffer is configured to receive the first wire, the first wire passing through the first entry channel and entering the first flexible wire guide.

[0200] 31. The line buffer system of clause 27, wherein the measurement head comprises:

[0201] a first TOF sensor, a first linear track, a first bracket fixedly coupled to the first flexible wire guide and movably mounted to the first linear track along a first measurement axis of the first TOF sensor; and

[0202] a second TOF sensor, a second linear track, and a second bracket fixedly coupled to the second flexible wire guide and movably mounted to the second linear track along a second measurement axis of the second TOF sensor.

[0203] 32. The wire buffer system of clause 31, wherein the first TOF sensor is configured to measure an amount of first flexible wire guide stored within the wire buffer.

[0204] 33. A wire buffer system according to claim 27, wherein the wire buffer is configured to buffer the first wire by accumulating the first flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and is configured to simultaneously buffer the second wire by accumulating the second flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

[0205] 34. A wire buffer system according to claim 27, wherein the wire buffer is configured to buffer the first wire and the second wire by accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide respectively between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide respectively increases the spiral diameter of the first flexible wire guide and the spiral diameter of the second flexible wire guide.

[0206] 35. A wire buffer system according to claim 27, wherein the wire buffer is configured to buffer the first wire and the second wire by accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide respectively between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide respectively increases the spiral diameter of the first flexible wire guide and the spiral diameter of the second flexible wire guide from 50 mm to 100 mm.

Claims

1. A line buffer, capable of buffering one or more lines, characterized in that: The line buffer comprises: A buffer tube, the buffer tube comprising: Entryway; Exit channels; outer cylinder; an inner cylinder, the inner cylinder being fixed at a position coaxial with the outer cylinder; and a flexible wire guide coupled to the inlet passage, the flexible wire guide extending helically around the inner cylinder and exiting the buffer tube through the outlet passage; wherein the flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder; and A measuring head is configured to measure the amount of line in the line buffer.

2. The line buffer according to claim 1, characterized in that The outlet passage is rotated relative to the inlet passage by greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

3. The line buffer according to claim 1, characterized in that The flexible wire guide is translatable relative to the outlet channel.

4. The line buffer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wire buffer is configured to receive the wire that passes through the entry channel and into the flexible wire guide.

5. The line buffer according to claim 1, characterized in that The line buffer also includes a second inlet channel, a second guide tube, and a second outlet channel.

6. The line buffer according to claim 1, characterized in that The measuring head comprises a TOF sensor, a linear track and a carriage fixedly coupled to the flexible wire guide and movably mounted to the linear track along a measuring axis of the TOF sensor.

7. The line buffer according to claim 6, characterized in that The line buffer also includes a second TOF sensor, a second linear track, and a second bracket.

8. The line buffer according to claim 6, characterized in that The TOF sensor is configured to measure an amount of the flexible wire guide stored within the wire buffer.

9. The line buffer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The line buffer is configured to buffer a plurality of lines.

10. The line buffer according to claim 1, wherein: The line buffer is configured to buffer a plurality of lines simultaneously.

11. The line buffer according to claim 1, characterized in that The wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

12. The line buffer according to claim 1, wherein: The wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the flexible wire guide increases a helical diameter of the flexible wire guide.

13. The line buffer according to claim 1, wherein: The wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the flexible wire guide increases the helical diameter of the flexible wire guide from 50 mm to 100 mm.

14. A wire buffer system for advancing one or more wires to a deposition site, characterized in that The line buffer system comprises: Line buffer; an unwind motor configured to feed wire into the wire buffer; and a motor configured to advance the line out of the line buffer; Wherein, the line buffer comprises: A buffer tube, the buffer tube comprising: Entryway; Exit channels; outer cylinder; an inner cylinder, the inner cylinder being fixed at a position coaxial with the outer cylinder; and a flexible wire guide fixedly coupled to the inlet passage, the flexible wire guide extending helically around the inner cylinder and exiting the buffer tube through the outlet passage, and wherein the flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder; and A measuring head is configured to measure the amount of line in the line buffer.

15. The line buffer system according to claim 14, characterized in that The outlet passage is rotated relative to the inlet passage by greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

16. The line buffer system according to claim 14, characterized in that The flexible wire guide is configured to translate relative to the exit channel.

17. The line buffer system according to claim 14, characterized in that The wire buffer is configured to receive the wire that passes through the entry channel and into the flexible wire guide.

18. The line buffer system according to claim 14, characterized in that The wire buffer system also includes a second inlet channel, a second flexible wire guide, and a second outlet channel.

19. The line buffer system of claim 14, wherein: The measuring head comprises a TOF sensor, a linear track and a carriage fixedly coupled to the flexible wire guide and movably mounted to the linear track along a measuring axis of the TOF sensor.

20. The line buffer system of claim 19, wherein: The line buffer system also includes a second TOF sensor, a second linear track, and a second bracket.

21. The line buffer system of claim 19, wherein: The TOF sensor is configured to measure an amount of flexible wire guide stored within the wire buffer.

22. The line buffer system of claim 14, wherein: The line buffer is configured to buffer a plurality of lines.

23. The line buffer system of claim 14, wherein: The wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

24. The line buffer system of claim 14, wherein: The wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the flexible wire guide increases a helical diameter of the flexible wire guide.

25. The line buffer system of claim 14, wherein: The wire buffer is configured to buffer the wire by accumulating the flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the flexible wire guide increases the helical diameter of the flexible wire guide from 50 mm to 100 mm.

26. The line buffer system of claim 14, wherein: The wire buffer system also includes a second unwind motor.

27. A wire buffer system for advancing two or more wires to a deposition site, characterized in that The line buffer system comprises: Line buffer; a first unwind motor configured to feed a first wire into the wire buffer; a second unwind motor configured to feed a second wire into the wire buffer; a motor configured to advance the first and second wires out of the wire buffer; and Wherein, the line buffer comprises: A buffer tube, the buffer tube comprising: First entrance passage; First exit channel; Second entryway; Second exit channel; outer cylinder; An inner cylinder, the inner cylinder being fixed at a position coaxial with the outer cylinder; a first flexible wire guide fixedly coupled to the first inlet passage, the first flexible wire guide extending helically around the inner cylinder and exiting the buffer tube through the first outlet passage, and wherein the first flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder; and a second flexible wire guide fixedly coupled to the second inlet passage, the second flexible wire guide extending helically around the inner cylinder and exiting the buffer tube through the second outlet passage, and wherein the second flexible wire guide occupies a space between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder; and A measuring head is configured to measure the amount of the first line and the amount of the second line in the line buffer, respectively.

28. The line buffer system of claim 27, wherein: The first outlet channel is rotated relative to the first inlet channel by greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

29. The line buffer system of claim 27, wherein: The first flexible wire guide is configured to translate relative to the first exit channel.

30. The line buffer system of claim 27, wherein: The wire buffer is configured to receive the first wire passing through the first entry channel and into the first flexible wire guide.

31. The line buffer system of claim 27, wherein: The measuring head comprises: a first TOF sensor, a first linear track, a first bracket fixedly coupled to the first flexible wire guide and movably mounted to the first linear track along a first measurement axis of the first TOF sensor; and a second TOF sensor, a second linear track, and a second bracket fixedly coupled to the second flexible wire guide and movably mounted to the second linear track along a second measurement axis of the second TOF sensor.

32. The line buffer system of claim 31, wherein: The first TOF sensor is configured to measure an amount of the first flexible wire guide stored within the wire buffer.

33. The line buffer system of claim 27, wherein: The wire buffer is configured to buffer the first wire by accumulating the first flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and is configured to simultaneously buffer the second wire by accumulating the second flexible wire guide between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

34. The line buffer system of claim 27, wherein: The wire buffer is configured to buffer the first wire and the second wire by accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide, respectively, between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide increases the spiral diameter of the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide, respectively.

35. The line buffer system of claim 27, wherein: The wire buffer is configured to buffer the first wire and the second wire by accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide, respectively, between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, wherein accumulating the first flexible wire guide and the second flexible wire guide increases the spiral diameter of the first flexible wire guide and the spiral diameter of the second flexible wire guide, respectively, from 50 mm to 100 mm.

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