3D Print Build Layout for Separable Cooling Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D printing technologies face inefficiencies in cooling and delivery times due to the combined cooling of objects with varying properties and urgency, leading to increased total delivery time and resource usage.

Innovation Solution

The method involves planning a build operation to separate printed parts into regions based on their properties, allowing for different cooling regimes and handling strategies, such as vertical or horizontal separation, use of sprues and cages, and controlled layer spreading, to facilitate faster delivery of urgent objects and varied quality requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If all printed parts are cooled together in the same region, then the printing process is simple to operate, but the total delivery time increases due to inability to prioritize urgent objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speed of urgent objectsVSAvoidcooling region configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The build volume is divided into multiple separable regions (first region and second region) that can be independently removed and cooled. This segmentation allows urgent objects in the first region to be cooled and delivered faster while non-urgent objects remain in the second region, resolving the contradiction between delivery speed and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling process is extended from a single-dimensional approach (one cooling region) to a multi-dimensional approach by creating vertically or horizontally separable regions. This dimensional expansion enables differential cooling strategies without significantly increasing operational complexity, as the regions can be separated along straightforward geometric planes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If printed parts are separated into different regions for differentiated cooling, then delivery time for urgent objects is reduced, but the arrangement and printing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling time for urgent objectsVSAvoidprinting process arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The build plan is prepared in advance to specify which objects should be placed in which separable region based on their urgency and cooling requirements. This preliminary arrangement ensures that urgent objects are positioned in regions that can be quickly removed and cooled, reducing cooling time while maintaining relatively simple printing operations through pre-planned configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the build volume are assigned different cooling characteristics and removal priorities. The first region is configured for rapid removal and cooling of urgent objects, while the second region is optimized for non-urgent objects. This local differentiation of cooling quality allows time reduction for urgent objects without requiring complete redesign of the entire printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple objects with different properties are printed together, then resource usage is efficient, but differentiation in cooling and handling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiency of batch printingVSAvoiddifferentiated cooling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The build volume is segmented into multiple independently removable regions, each capable of accommodating objects with different cooling requirements. This segmentation maintains the energy efficiency of batch printing by allowing multiple objects to be printed together while enabling differentiated cooling strategies for different regions, thus preserving adaptability without sacrificing resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The build system is designed with universal separable regions that can accommodate various types of objects with different properties and cooling needs. Each region serves multiple functions: it can hold urgent or non-urgent objects, be removed independently for cooling, and be reconfigured for different printing batches. This multi-functionality maintains energy efficiency while providing the versatility needed for differentiated cooling and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12515407B2Generation of print configuration data for three dimensional printers

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 PERIDOT PRINT LLC

AI summary

Object model data defining a plurality of objects to be built by a three-dimensional printing apparatus is obtained. The plurality of objects to be built are arranged in a configuration to be printed with objects having a first property arranged in a first separable region of a build volume and objects having a second property arranged in a second separable region of the build volume. Print data defining the configuration of the plurality of objects to be built is generated.