3D Print Build Container Rotation for Faster Powder Unpacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for unpacking three-dimensional objects produced by layer-by-layer application and selective solidification of powdered construction material from interchangeable containers are time-consuming and inefficient, as they require manual rotation and handling of unsolidified material.
Innovation Solution
A device with a turning mechanism that rotates the interchangeable container around a horizontal axis, allowing for the separation and removal of unsolidified material while positioning the object for easy extraction, and includes a clamping system for secure attachment and a cover for containment, enabling efficient transfer and reuse of the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual rotation and handling of unsolidified material is used, then the unpacking process can be performed with simple equipment, but the unpacking time is excessive and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a rotating device that can dynamically change the orientation of the interchangeable container from an initial position to an inverted position and back. This dynamic rotation mechanism automates the unpacking process, allowing unsolidified material to be efficiently removed by gravity while positioning the solidified object for easy removal, thereby significantly improving unpacking speed without requiring overly complex equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing a system where the rotating device automatically facilitates the separation of unsolidified material from the solidified object through gravitational action. The container's own weight and the gravity acting on the unsolidified material perform the separation work, eliminating the need for manual handling and reducing the complexity of additional active components
2Ease of operation
If the interchangeable container is rotated 180° to remove unsolidified material, then material removal is facilitated, but the object must be repositioned afterward adding to the time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by performing the rotation operation in a single continuous motion that accomplishes both material removal and object positioning in advance. The container is rotated to the inverted position for material removal, then returned to the initial position in the same operational sequence, so that by the time the container is opened, the object is already in the optimal position for removal, eliminating separate repositioning steps
3Ease of operation
If the substrate plate is moved within the build chamber during unpacking, then object removal is enabled, but the unpacking process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the substrate plate movement operation from the build chamber environment and performing it externally after the container is inverted and opened. The substrate plate is moved within the build chamber only when necessary for object removal, rather than during the entire unpacking process, thereby minimizing the time the object is not in its final position while still enabling easy removal
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 solution significantly reduces the time required for unpacking by automating the process, allowing for immediate availability of the object and enabling continuous production by facilitating the rapid exchange and reuse of interchangeable containers.
Implementation Method 1
The turning device is transferred from an initial upright position into an inverted position for removal of the unconsolidated building material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for unpacking a three-dimensional object (14), produced in an interchangeable container (12) by applying a pulverulent building material in layers and selectively solidifying the latter, from the building material that surrounds the object (14) and has remained unsolidified, having a turning apparatus (18) which rotates the interchangeable container (12) from an upright position (47) into an emptying position (48) for discharging the unsolidified building material, wherein the turning apparatus (18) has a drive device (33) with which the three-dimensional object (14) is movable into a removal position (57) with respect to the interchangeable container (12) after it has been unpacked from the unsolidified building material.