3D Printing Tray Vibration with Counterweight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D printing systems face challenges in separating unfused build material from fused material without causing unwanted rotary imbalances and vibrations in the system chassis, leading to floor vibrations during the vibration process.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electromagnetic force actuator and elastic support members, along with flexible mounts, to apply a horizontal oscillating force to the printing tray while minimizing rotary imbalances, by determining appropriate spring constants to create a resonant condition that maximizes tray vibration while reducing unwanted floor vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the printing tray is vibrated to separate unfused material from fused material, then the separation efficiency is improved, but unwanted rotary imbalances and floor vibrations are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidfloor vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A counterweight is attached to the printing tray assembly opposite the build volume. When the tray is vibrated horizontally to separate unfused material, the counterweight vibrates in opposition, generating counterbalancing forces that reduce rotary imbalances and minimize floor vibrations while maintaining effective separation of build material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Productivity

If a horizontal oscillating force is applied to the printing tray, then material separation is enhanced, but rotary imbalances occur in the system chassis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial separationVSAvoidsystem chassis stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight is specifically positioned and mass-calibrated to offset the horizontal oscillating forces applied to the printing tray. This maintains chassis stability by preventing rotary imbalances while allowing the tray to vibrate effectively for material separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The system intentionally introduces asymmetric mass distribution through the counterweight placement, which creates balanced oscillatory motion. The asymmetric positioning of the counterweight relative to the tray allows it to generate counterbalancing forces that stabilize the chassis during vibration cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This approach effectively separates unfused material from fused material within the 3D printing system while minimizing vertical reaction forces and floor vibrations, enhancing the efficiency of the 3D printing process.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic force actuator to apply an equal and opposite force to the tray and to a reaction mass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

determining appropriate spring constants to create a resonant condition that maximizes tray vibration while reducing unwanted floor vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

first flexible support members that couple the tray to the reaction mass, second flexible support members that couple the reaction mass to a chassis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11712846B2Three-dimensional (3D) printing

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 PERIDOT PRINT LLC

AI summary

In an example implementation, a method of operating a three-dimensional (3D) printing system includes forming a fused 3D object in the printing tray of a 3D printer and vibrating the tray to separate unfused material from the fused 3D object.