3D Printing Process Version Selection for Stable Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

End users face challenges in implementing additive manufacturing for commercial production with advanced dual cure resins, as existing systems lack flexibility in process control updates, making it difficult to choose between stable and updated software versions based on specific object, material, and hardware data.

Innovation Solution

An additive manufacturing system that allows users to select between multiple stable and beta software versions for process controllers, configuring production processes based on object, material, and hardware specifics, with a selector to choose the appropriate software version for each production task.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If process control software is updated periodically over the Internet, then system functionality and performance improve over time, but system stability and reliability deteriorate due to potential software errors or incompatibilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update capabilityVSAvoidproduction stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the process control software into multiple independent version segments (first stable release, second stable release, etc.), each stored separately in the memory device. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple discrete software versions without interference, enabling selective execution of specific versions based on production requirements while preserving system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic version selection capability through a selector component that can choose between different stable release process programs based on specific production needs. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the system to adapt between proven stable versions and updated versions, balancing reliability with functional improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a single stable release process program is used, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to different production requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware stabilityVSAvoidprocess configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a universal platform that can execute multiple different stable release process programs (first, second, and optional third versions). Each process program is configured to generate production processes based on specific object data, material data, and hardware data, making the system universally adaptable to various production requirements while maintaining the stability of individual proven versions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The selector component provides feedback mechanisms that allow the system to evaluate which software version performs best for specific production tasks. Based on performance feedback from different production scenarios, the system can selectively invoke the most appropriate stable release version, optimizing both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple software versions are stored and selectable, then production flexibility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversion selection capabilityVSAvoidmemory and control structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores multiple stable release process programs as digital copies in the memory device rather than requiring separate physical systems. Each process program is a software copy that can be selectively executed, providing version diversity without proportionally increasing hardware complexity. The selector manages these copies through software-based version identification and invocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11982991B2Systems and apparatuses for additive manufacturing with process update and lock down

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 CARBON INC

AI summary

An additive manufacturing system may include an additive manufacturing apparatus on which a process of producing a three-dimensional object from a material can be performed; an additive manufacturing process controller operatively associated with the additive manufacturing apparatus; and a first memory device operatively associated with the additive manufacturing process controller. The first memory device may include first and second stable release process programs each comprising a first subset of operations executable by said process controller. The system may include a second memory device comprising another stable release process program comprising a second subset of operations executable by said process controller. The system may include a selector configured to choose one of the stable release process programs to run on said process controller when producing a three-dimensional object on the additive manufacturing apparatus.