3D Printed Object with Integrated Power Source Receptacle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D printing configurations are limited to printing passive, stationary objects and lack the capability to produce objects with electrical power sources, necessitating inefficient manufacturing processes for objects requiring electrical activation.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a passive 3D object model with a 3D object model of an electrical power source receptacle or connector, allowing a 3D printer to produce objects that can connect to an external power source, using a material delivery mechanism with conductive and nonconductive materials and a processor to print the integrated model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional 3D printing is used to print passive objects, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but electrical functionality cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical functionalityVSAvoidprinting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple printing capabilities into a single 3D printing system that can deposit both conductive and nonconductive materials, integrate power source receptacles, and create electrically functional objects in one printing process, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes composite material printing by incorporating both conductive material and nonconductive material into the 3D printing system, allowing the creation of objects with integrated electrical pathways and insulating structures from a single printing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If separate manufacturing processes are used for passive objects and power source integration, then manufacturing precision may be maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the manufacturing of passive objects and power source receptacles into a single integrated printing process, eliminating separate assembly steps and improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated integrated production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conductive and nonconductive materials are used in the same print, then electrical capabilities are achieved, but material handling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial diversityVSAvoidmaterial delivery complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the material delivery system into separate channels or mechanisms for conductive and nonconductive materials, allowing independent control and deposition of each material type while maintaining a unified printing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal material delivery mechanism capable of handling multiple material types (conductive and nonconductive) through a single system architecture, reducing overall system complexity despite the diversity of materials used

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10137678B2Electrical power source for a 3D printed object

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

A process and apparatus integrate a first 3D object model with a second 3D object model to generate an integrated 3D printable model. The first 3D object model models a first object that is passive. The second 3D object model models an electrical power source receptacle that operably connects to an electrical power source that provides electrical power for operation of the first object. The process and apparatus print a 3D object based upon the 3D model.