3D Printing Tower With Sliding Boom For Building Construction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing systems for building construction are hindered by massive and complex supporting structures that are costly, difficult to assemble and dismantle, and pose stability and strength issues, with interruptions in construction causing material solidification problems in the extruder.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a lifting tower with a sliding operating unit and a boom-mounted extruder, utilizing a lead nut and screw system for stability and precision, along with a modular design for easy assembly and adaptation to building shapes, and a control unit for precise positioning and material management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a massive supporting structure is used to support the extruder and boom, then the system can achieve sufficient strength and stability, but the device complexity, cost, and difficulty of assembly and dismantling increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is divided into modular segments (base, vertical columns, horizontal beams) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The extruder system is segmented into base unit, boom, and extruder components that can be separately handled during assembly and dismantling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom is designed as a telescopic or articulating mechanism that can dynamically adjust its length and position, replacing the need for a fixed massive structure. The extruder can be repositioned along the boom to adapt to different construction stages and building geometries.
2Strength
If the supporting structure is made large enough to surround and surmount the building, then it provides adequate support, but the area and volume of the structure increase, leading to higher costs and transportation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional planar support structure to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. The boom can extend in multiple directions and the extruder can move along the boom's length, utilizing vertical and horizontal dimensions to reduce the ground footprint while maintaining support capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the supporting structure is fixed in design, then it is simple to manufacture, but it cannot be adapted to distinctive features of different buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The boom incorporates telescopic sections and articulating joints that allow dynamic adjustment of reach and positioning. The extruder can be repositioned along the boom to accommodate different building geometries, floor plans, and construction sequences without requiring a custom-designed structure for each project.
4Loss of time
If construction material remains in the extruder for extended periods, then construction work can be interrupted, but the material solidifies and damages the extruder
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates periodic movement of the extruder along the boom and periodic flushing or cleaning cycles to prevent material solidification. The extruder can be repositioned to different locations during interruptions, and the system includes mechanisms to clear residual material from the extrusion pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes preliminary heating or insulation of the extruder to maintain material fluidity during interruptions. The extruder pathway is pre-conditioned to prevent solidification, and the system can perform preliminary flushing with carrier material before extended pauses in construction work.
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
The system allows for efficient, precise, and adaptable 3D printing with reduced costs and complexity, enabling easy setup and teardown, and preventing material damage during interruptions by maintaining extruder fluidity.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus comprises a lead nut and a lifting screw. The lead nut is connected to the operating unit and the lifting screw is connected to the lifting tower. The lead nut is movable along the lifting screw to lift and lower the operating unit.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A system (10) for constructing buildings comprises a supporting structure and at least one apparatus (1) for the 3D printing of buildings (9), comprising: an elongate lifting tower (2) extending along a lifting axis (A) oriented in a vertical direction (V); an operating unit (3) movably coupled to the lifting tower (2); a boom (4) connected to the operating unit (3); an extruder (5) mounted on the boom (4) and configured to deliver a fluid construction material, wherein the lifting tower (2) of the apparatus (1) has a summit (21 ) which is fastenable to the supporting structure.