3D Object Production Device with Dedicated Material Conveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser sintering and melting devices face challenges in efficiently handling and controlling construction materials, leading to contamination and increased cleaning and conversion efforts due to the need for universal heating and treatment devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of redundant supply lines and conveyor elements for each build material, allowing for build-material-specific sensors and treatment devices, and the use of build-material-specific filters and filters with adaptable pore sizes to minimize contamination and simplify cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If universal heating and treatment devices are used for all build-up materials, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination of build material during transport occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transport system into separate, dedicated conveying elements for different build-up materials. Each material has its own dedicated conveyor path from storage container to dosing chamber, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conveying elements are replaced or cleaned for each build material, then material contamination is avoided, but conversion and cleaning effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the conveying elements into material-specific dedicated paths. Once a conveying element is assigned to a particular build-up material, it remains dedicated to that material throughout operation, eliminating the need for repeated cleaning or replacement and preventing contamination
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate circuits are provided for each build material, then contamination is avoided and cleaning effort is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by providing separate circuits for each build material, where each circuit includes dedicated conveying elements, storage containers, and dosing chambers. This modular segmentation isolates materials to prevent contamination while managing complexity through standardized circuit designs
4Adaptability or versatility
If redundant conveying elements are provided for each build material, then material-specific optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the conveying infrastructure into redundant, material-specific circuits. Each build material has dedicated conveying elements that can be optimized for its specific properties (such as particle size, flow characteristics, or thermal sensitivity), allowing material-specific optimization without requiring a completely separate system for each material
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
This approach reduces contamination, simplifies cleaning and conversion processes, and maintains a compact system design by ensuring dedicated handling for each material, optimizing system efficiency and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
the topmost layer of build material in the build chamber is solidified at predetermined locations by an irradiation device
Implementation Method 2
the build material can be heated before solidification. For this purpose, heating devices must be provided below, above, or to the side of the build chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device 1 for producing three-dimensional objects 12 by successively solidifying layers of a radiation-hardenable build-up material 9, 10 at the locations corresponding to the respective cross-section of the object 12, comprising a housing, a build-up chamber 4 housed therein, a metering chamber 2, 3, an application device 11 for applying layers of the build-up material 9, 10 and a conveying element 13, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 37, 38 for transporting the build-up material 9, 10, wherein at least two conveying elements 13, 17, 21; 14, 18, 22 are provided for transporting different build-up materials 9, 10, which include separate feed lines 37, 38, to at least one metering chamber 2, 3.