3D Printer Forming Control for Mid-Process Object Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies require users to reissue forming instructions after completing a formed object, limiting the ability to add additional objects during the same forming process, as they cannot instruct the forming apparatus to form multiple objects simultaneously without restarting the process.
Innovation Solution
A 'delayed join process' method that allows a personal computer to instruct a forming apparatus to form additional objects mid-process, either in parallel or sequentially, by calculating free space on the forming stage and adjusting forming settings to accommodate new objects without interrupting the current formation, using a network-connected system with a forming control apparatus and software modules for managing and controlling the forming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single forming instruction is issued to form multiple objects collectively, then forming time is reduced, but the system cannot accommodate additional objects requested during the forming process
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically accepts additional forming requests during the forming process and adjusts the forming plan in real-time. The control apparatus monitors the forming state and integrates new objects into the current forming sequence, transforming a static batch-processing system into a dynamic responsive system that can adapt to changing user needs without restarting the entire process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus performs preliminary calculations to determine available space and time resources before accepting additional forming requests. By pre-assessing the forming stage and calculating whether new objects can be accommodulated without extending the overall forming time, the system proactively manages capacity and maintains productivity while enabling flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the forming process is interrupted to reissue instructions, then additional objects can be formed, but overall completion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous forming operation by integrating additional objects into the existing forming sequence. Instead of interrupting and restarting the process, the control apparatus seamlessly incorporates new objects alongside ongoing formation, ensuring the forming apparatus operates continuously without idle periods or process interruptions, thereby eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the new forming request with the ongoing forming process by consolidating multiple objects into a single continuous operation. The control apparatus combines the original objects with newly requested objects, creating an integrated forming sequence that processes all objects together in one uninterrupted cycle, thus preventing time loss from process interruption.
3Productivity
If multiple objects are formed in parallel, then productivity increases, but control complexity and space management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus segments the forming process into manageable control units, tracking each object's formation status, space requirements, and timing independently. By dividing the complex multi-object control into discrete controllable elements, the system can manage parallel forming operations without overwhelming complexity, allowing precise control over each object while maintaining overall coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the forming state, space utilization, and progress of multiple objects. This feedback enables the control apparatus to dynamically adjust the forming sequence, allocate space efficiently, and coordinate parallel operations, reducing control complexity by providing actionable information about the current system state and enabling responsive decision-making.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A-1~3B
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.