3D Printed Utility Flowpaths for Precision Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with limited space, conventional utility flowpaths are prone to human error, leading to suboptimal precision in shaping and positioning, which can result in issues like electrical arcing, data signal corruption, premature flowpath failure, and acoustic noise due to improper spacing and contact between flowpaths.
Innovation Solution
The use of a 3-D printer to create physical flowpaths based on a utility flowpath model ensures high precision and accurate placement, allowing for the formation of multiple flowpaths within dense spaces while maintaining designed flow and spacing, reducing the likelihood of errors and failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional manual methods are used to form utility flowpaths, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical forming methods with automated 3-D printing technology. The 3-D printer uses digital models to precisely deposit material layer by layer, eliminating human error in bending and positioning while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameter from manual bending angles and positions to digitally controlled 3-D printing coordinates. The system uses precise digital modeling to define flowpath geometry, allowing sub-millimeter accuracy in positioning and shaping that cannot be achieved manually.
2Productivity
If more flowpaths are packed into limited space, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 3-D printing technology to create complex spatial arrangements of flowpaths that optimize space utilization. The additive manufacturing process allows flowpaths to be formed in three dimensions with precise control over spacing, enabling high density packaging while maintaining required separation distances for safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar layouts to three-dimensional spatial arrangements of flowpaths. By utilizing vertical space and complex 3-D routing, the system can pack more flowpaths into limited space while maintaining proper spacing through precise 3-D positioning controlled by digital models.
3Reliability
If high precision flowpath positioning is achieved, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual measurement and positioning equipment with a 3-D printing system that uses digital models for precise control. The 3-D printer's built-in coordinate system and automated material deposition provide high precision without requiring complex external positioning apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital 3-D models as copies of the desired flowpath geometry to guide the manufacturing process. These digital templates contain all positioning and shaping information, eliminating the need for complex physical jigs, fixtures, and measurement devices while achieving high precision through digital-to-physical replication.
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 enhances safety and functionality by ensuring precise shaping and positioning of flowpaths, preventing issues like arcing, signal corruption, and premature failure, while allowing for efficient use of space in complex utility networks.
Implementation Method 1
a 3-D printer is used to print multiple physical flowpaths that fit within a physical space based on a utility flowpath model
Data Source
AI summary
The formulation of multiple physical flowpaths that fit within a physical space. The formation of physical flowpaths is done by a 3-D printer using a representation of that flowpath that is within a utility flowpath model. The flowpaths are represented in the utility flowpath model so that there is high certainty that the respective physical flowpaths will actual fit into a physical space even if space is limited. Furthermore, the 3-D printing of those physical flowpaths ensures high precision in formulating the physical flowpaths to match the utility flowpath representation.