3D Printing Assembly with Robotic Arm In-Build Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D printing systems are limited to manufacturing objects alone and lack integrated assembly capabilities, requiring external ad hoc assembly of components, which hinders their industrial application.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing and assembly system that combines a 3D printer with a robotic arm and a computer hardware system to enable in-situ assembly by identifying assistive objects, generating sequential instructions for both the printer and the arm, and using a vision system to position and manipulate objects within the build volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple 3D printed components are assembled outside the printer, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but process integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates complete interdependent sequential instructions that coordinate printing and assembly operations in advance. The robotic arm is pre-programmed to manipulate objects at specific times during the printing process, and assistive objects are pre-positioned within the build volume to facilitate subsequent assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified control system acts as an intermediary that translates the desired final assembly into coordinated instructions for both the printer and robotic arm. It manages the complex timing and spatial relationships between printing operations and assembly operations, reducing the overall system complexity despite the integrated functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If assistive objects are used to facilitate assembly, then assembly precision is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs assistive objects that are simple, easily manufactured components designed for temporary use during assembly operations. These objects are printed on-demand using the same 3D printer and are discarded or removed after serving their assembly function, avoiding the need for complex reusable assembly fixtures or tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D printing and assembly system includes a 3D printer having a build volume; a robotic arm configured to access both within the build volume and outside of the printer. The printing and assembly system and a 3D computer hardware system are connected to both the printer and the robotic arm. An assistive object outside of build volume and accessible by robotic arm is identified. A 3D object assembly to be generated by the printer is identified. The assistive object and the object assembly is real-time analyzed, using the computer hardware system, to generate interdependent sequential instructions for the printer and the robotic arm. The already-generated object is positioned within the build volume using the robotic arm with the sequential instructions for the robotic arm. The object assembly is 3D printed by 3D printing around the already-generated object using the sequential instructions for the 3D printer.