3D Object Forming Device Dynamic Light Intensity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Light-curing materials used in 3D object formation can result in unexpected curing due to light penetration through cured layers, leading to inhomogeneous object formation.

Innovation Solution

A 3D object forming device with a controller that adjusts the intensity of the light source based on slicing data, reducing light intensity when non-cured hollow layers are detected to prevent unwanted curing, using a tank, moving platform, and light source to cure layers sequentially.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a light source is used to cure liquid forming material layer by layer, then a 3D object can be constructed efficiently, but light may penetrate through cured layers and cause unexpected curing in non-cured hollow layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D object construction efficiencyVSAvoidlayer curing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light source intensity is made dynamically adjustable based on the presence of hollow layers. The controller modifies the light intensity in real-time during the curing process, switching between a first intensity (when hollow layers are present) and a second intensity (when no hollow layers are present), thereby preventing unexpected curing while maintaining construction efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The intensity parameter of the light source is changed according to the structural characteristics of the object being constructed. By detecting hollow layers and adjusting the light intensity parameter accordingly, the system prevents over-curing while maintaining efficient construction in solid regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If light intensity is maintained at high level for fast curing, then construction speed increases, but unexpected curing occurs in hollow layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring speedVSAvoidcuring control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light intensity is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of hollow layers. The system switches between high intensity (for speed) and low intensity (for control accuracy) modes, ensuring both fast curing in appropriate regions and precise control in regions with hollow structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller uses slicing data to detect the presence of hollow layers and provides feedback to adjust the light intensity accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the curing process adapts to the object's structural characteristics, maintaining both speed and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Prevents unexpected curing by adjusting light intensity according to the position of non-cured layers, ensuring consistent and controlled layer formation in 3D object creation.

Implementation Method 1

a light source irradiates the liquid forming material serving as the constructing material on the XY plane, such that the liquid forming material is cured and stacked on a moving platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight curing: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3418034B1Three-dimensional object forming device and method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 XYZPRINTING
  • EP3418034B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3418034B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3418034B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A 3D object forming device and a method thereof are provided. The device includes a tank used for containing a liquid forming material. A light source irradiates the liquid forming material to cure a 3D object layer-by-layer on a moving platform. In the irradiation process, when a target position currently irradiated by the light source is located on a first layer next to the moving platform, the light source is maintained to an original intensity; when the target position is not located on the first layer next to the moving platform, and when it is determined that a non-cured hollow layer exists in a predetermined number of layers at one side of the target position opposite to the light source according to the slicing data, the intensity of the light source is correspondingly decreased according to the number of layers between the hollow layer and the target position.