3D Printing Chamber Cleaning Module for Contamination Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing additive production systems for three-dimensional objects face contamination issues within process chambers and functional components, which negatively affect device operation and energy beam properties.

Innovation Solution

A system incorporating a cleaning module that can be docked to the process chamber, featuring a cleaning device with a flow device and wiper device for automated cleaning, utilizing a cleaning fluid and wiper element to remove contaminants, and a conveyor system for module movement between work stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the process chamber is cleaned manually, then contaminants are removed, but device complexity and cleaning time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess chamber cleanlinessVSAvoidcleaning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning module is designed to autonomously clean the process chamber without requiring external manual intervention. The module docks with the process chamber, activates cleaning elements (nozzles, wipers, or plasma generators), and performs cleaning cycles automatically, allowing the system to service itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A docking interface serves as an intermediary between the cleaning module and the process chamber. This interface enables automatic connection and disconnection, allowing the cleaning module to access the process chamber for cleaning operations without permanent integration, thus reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If cleaning is performed frequently, then contaminant buildup is prevented, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy beam qualityVSAvoidproduction output

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system operates periodically rather than continuously. The cleaning module can be activated at predetermined intervals or based on contaminant detection, allowing production to proceed uninterrupted between cleaning cycles while maintaining energy beam quality through regular maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning module is designed to perform cleaning operations during periods when the process chamber is not in use or during transition between production runs. This ensures continuous productivity while maintaining chamber cleanliness through timely cleaning actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If a fixed cleaning system is integrated into the process chamber, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning module flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system employs movable and adjustable components including robotic arms with articulated joints, movable nozzles, and adjustable wiper positions. These dynamic elements can be repositioned to access different areas of the process chamber and adapt to various contaminant locations and types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning module is divided into separate functional components (nozzles for fluid delivery, wipers for surface cleaning, plasma generators for contaminant removal) that can be independently controlled and positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific cleaning tasks while maintaining overall system flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Provides a flexible and effective cleaning solution for process chambers and functional components, ensuring the removal of contaminants and maintaining the integrity of energy beams used in additive production processes.

Implementation Method 1

a flow device and wiper device for automated cleaning, utilizing a cleaning fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

wiper device for automated cleaning, utilizing a cleaning fluid and wiper element to remove contaminants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11253923B2System for additive production of three-dimensional objects

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 CONCEPT LASER

AI summary

System for the additive production of three-dimensional objects, comprising: —a device which is designed for the additive production of a three-dimensional object, wherein the device comprises a process chamber, within which additive construction processes for the additive production of three-dimensional objects can be carried out, —a powder module which can be docked to the process chamber of the at least one device, and which comprises a receiving chamber for receiving construction material that is to be solidified as part of an additive construction process or that is not solidified and/or a three-dimensional object that is to be additively produced or is additively produced as part of an additive construction process, —a cleaning module which can be docked to the process chamber of the at least one device and which comprises a cleaning device.