3D Printer Forming Control for Mid-Process Additional Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies require users to reissue forming instructions after completing the formation of one object, making it inconvenient to form additional objects during the same process.
Innovation Solution
A forming control apparatus that allows for the receipt of instructions to form additional objects during the ongoing formation of a first object, determining if the additional object can be formed in a specified three-dimensional space, and issuing forming control commands to both objects if feasible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single forming instruction is issued for multiple objects before the forming process starts, then the forming time period is reduced and productivity is improved, but the system lacks flexibility to accommodate additional forming requests during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically accepts forming requests during the forming process and adjusts the forming plan in real-time. The control apparatus evaluates incoming requests against current forming status, available space, and resource availability, then dynamically integrates approved requests into the ongoing process, transforming a static batch-processing system into a dynamic responsive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of additional forming requests by checking available three-dimensional space and resource availability before committing to the new forming task. This preliminary assessment allows the system to quickly determine feasibility without disrupting the main forming process, enabling rapid acceptance or rejection of additional requests.
2Ease of operation
If the forming instruction is reissued after completion of the first object to form another object, then the system maintains simplicity in instruction handling, but the overall productivity decreases due to repeated setup and instruction issuance
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous forming operations by accepting and processing additional forming requests during idle periods or alongside ongoing forming processes. The control apparatus continuously monitors forming status, material availability, and space utilization, enabling seamless integration of new forming tasks without interrupting existing operations, thus maintaining continuous productive action.
Solution Approach 2:
The forming control apparatus serves multiple functions: it manages initial forming instructions, evaluates additional forming requests, determines spatial feasibility, coordinates resource allocation, and oversees concurrent forming operations. This multi-functional capability allows a single system to handle diverse forming scenarios without requiring separate instruction issuance for each object.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system evaluates and accepts additional forming requests during an ongoing forming process, then adaptability and user flexibility are improved, but the device complexity and control algorithm complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the forming process into discrete evaluable units: it divides the three-dimensional space into available and occupied regions, separates forming request evaluation from execution, and breaks down the control logic into modular functions such as space verification, resource checking, and process coordination. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by creating manageable, independent control modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control apparatus continuously monitors forming progress, space utilization, and resource status, then uses this information to evaluate incoming forming requests. The feedback loop provides real-time information about system state, enabling intelligent decision-making about additional forming tasks without requiring complex predictive modeling or centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention control a forming unit of a 3D printer so as to additionally form a second object in a free space in the forming unit when receiving an instruction to form the second object and forming data in the middle of a forming process for a first object by the forming unit.