3D Component Structural Quality Assessment for Defect Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assessing the structural quality of components manufactured by laser sintering or laser melting are inadequate for efficient post-manufacturing investigations such as fracture tests and cross-section analysis, requiring excessive effort.

Innovation Solution

A method that categorizes sensor values into critical and non-critical for structural quality, using reference points on the component surface to precisely locate defects, allowing for targeted testing and visualization of potential failure lines, and displaying risk of breakage based on sensor value distribution and distance to fracture lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If sensor values are displayed without categorization and precise localization, then all sensor data is visible, but post-manufacturing investigations require excessive effort and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of sensor dataVSAvoidtime for post-manufacturing investigations
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments sensor values into two distinct categories: structurally critical sensor values and other sensor values. This segmentation is achieved through evaluation criteria that assess whether each sensor value indicates a defect affecting component strength. By dividing the data set, the system enables targeted analysis of only critical defects during post-manufacturing investigations, significantly reducing examination time while preserving all original sensor data for reference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary classification and localization of sensor values during or immediately after the manufacturing process. Critical sensor values are identified, categorized, and assigned precise spatial coordinates relative to reference points on the component surface before the component leaves the manufacturing system. This preliminary organization of data eliminates the need for time-consuming data processing and analysis during later fracture tests or cross-section investigations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If all sensor values are displayed without prioritization, then complete data is available, but identification of critical defects becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of defect dataVSAvoiddifficulty of identifying critical defects
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments sensor values into two distinct categories: structurally critical sensor values and other sensor values. This segmentation is achieved through evaluation criteria that assess whether each sensor value indicates a defect affecting component strength. By dividing the data set, the system enables targeted analysis of only critical defects during post-manufacturing investigations, significantly reducing examination time while preserving all original sensor data for reference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different display and processing qualities to different sensor values based on their structural criticality. Critical sensor values receive enhanced processing including precise localization relative to reference points, prioritized display, and association with specific component regions. Non-critical values are handled with standard processing. This differentiated approach makes critical defects immediately identifiable while maintaining complete data availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If fracture tests are performed without precise defect localization, then general component strength is assessed, but specific defect impact analysis requires extensive destructive testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of strength assessmentVSAvoidcomplexity of testing procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary classification and localization of sensor values during or immediately after the manufacturing process. Critical sensor values are identified, categorized, and assigned precise spatial coordinates relative to reference points on the component surface before the component leaves the manufacturing system. This preliminary organization of data eliminates the need for time-consuming data processing and analysis during later fracture tests or cross-section investigations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital representation or model of the component that includes the precise locations and characteristics of all sensor values, particularly critical defects. This digital copy allows for virtual analysis and planning of fracture tests, enabling researchers to predict where and how the component will fail based on the localized defect data, thereby reducing the need for extensive physical trial-and-error testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient and precise post-manufacturing examination of components by facilitating fracture tests and non-destructive testing, reducing effort and enhancing the understanding of structural defects' impact on component strength.

Implementation Method 1

components are solidified by successively solidifying individual layers of a building material through sintering or melting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser melting: Laser

Implementation Method 2

components are solidified by successively solidifying individual layers of a building material through sintering or melting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser sintering: Laser

Implementation Method 3

The melted area created by a point- or line-shaped energy input is detected by a sensor device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3492215B2Method for assessing the structural quality of three-dimensional components
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 CONCEPT LASER
  • EP3492215B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for assessing the structural quality of three-dimensional components produced by a laser sintering or laser melting process.