3D Printing Holographic Feedback for Real-Time Quality Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for real-time monitoring and modification capabilities in 3D printing processes to allow users to detect and correct quality control issues, such as defects, and make changes to the final product during the printing process.

Innovation Solution

Implementing sensors to scan the 3D printing process and generate holographic objects that provide users with real-time updates on the current state of the printed object, enabling interaction and adjustments to the printing process before completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If real-time scanning and holographic generation are implemented during 3D printing, then quality control and customization capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality controlVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time feedback by scanning the partially completed 3D printed object during the printing process, generating a holographic representation, and allowing user interaction to modify the digital file. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables quality control and customization while managing system complexity through structured information flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses holographic copying to create a virtual representation of the partially completed object. This optical copy allows users to inspect and modify the design without physically interfering with the printing process, enabling quality control and customization while avoiding the complexity of direct physical manipulation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If real-time scanning is performed during the 3D printing process, then quality control capability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality controlVSAvoidprinting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning process is integrated to operate continuously or periodically during the 3D printing process without interrupting the additive manufacturing. The holographic generation and user interaction occur in parallel or during natural pauses, maintaining continuous productive action while enabling quality control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs scanning at selected intervals or on partially completed objects rather than continuously scanning the entire object from start to finish. This partial scanning approach provides sufficient quality control information while minimizing the time overhead associated with comprehensive scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10331110B2Methods and systems for verifying and modifying a 3D printing process

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Embodiments for 3D printing an object by a processor are described. During a 3D printing process to form a 3D printed objected, a partially completed 3D printed object formed by the 3D printing process is scanned. A shape of the partially completed 3D printed object is determined based on scanning of the partially completed 3D printed object. A holographic object is caused to be generated based on the determined shape of the partially completed 3D printed object.