3D Scanning and Printing Apparatus with Beam Splitter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D scanning and printing technologies require separate apparatuses, leading to space inefficiencies and measurement accuracy issues due to the differing elements needed for each function, particularly as the angle between image sensors decreases, necessitating a solution to integrate these functions within a limited space without compromising accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional 3D scanning and printing apparatus that shares a Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector and uses a beam splitter, along with accuracy-increasing apparatus such as prisms and lenticular lenses, to configure both scanning and printing elements within a single apparatus, ensuring accurate measurements despite a smaller angle between image sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D scanning and 3D printing are carried out by two mutually-independent apparatuses, then the measurement accuracy and printing quality are maintained, but the space required is larger and the operation is less convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines 3D scanning and 3D printing functions into a single integrated apparatus. The scanning module with image sensors and the printing module with DLP projector share the same physical platform and optical path, allowing both functions to be performed within one device structure, thereby reducing the total space required while maintaining functional independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: 3D scanning using image sensors, 3D printing using DLP projection, and shared optical components. The beam splitter and accuracy-increasing apparatus serve both scanning and printing operations, creating a universal device that eliminates the need for separate dedicated apparatuses.
2Measurement precision
If the angle between two image sensors is increased to decrease measurement errors, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the distance between the two image sensors must be lengthened which requires a larger space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an accuracy-increasing apparatus (such as a prism or asymmetric lens) as an intermediary optical element between the image sensors and the object being scanned. This intermediary component optically expands the effective baseline distance between sensors without physically increasing the distance, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining a compact sensor arrangement within the limited space of the integrated apparatus.
3Area of stationary object
If a beam splitter is used to distribute light onto the object and printing module, then the space is efficiently utilized and both functions are integrated, but the optical path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter serves as an intermediary optical component that efficiently divides the light path from the DLP projector to illuminate both the object during scanning and the printing platform during printing operations. While this adds an optical element, it enables compact integration of both functions within a shared optical path, achieving space efficiency that outweighs the moderate increase in optical complexity.
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
Enables efficient use of space and maintains measurement accuracy by integrating 3D scanning and printing functions, reducing the required space and enhancing working efficiency while preventing measurement errors associated with smaller sensor angles.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter (for example, a transflective mirror or a flipping mirror, etc.) to achieve a configuration
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter (for example, a transflective mirror or a flipping mirror, etc.) to achieve a configuration
Implementation Method 3
uses the accuracy-increasing apparatus (for example, a prism, a lenticular lens and other asymmetric lenses, etc) so that the accuracy of the measurements from two image sensors will not be restricted
Implementation Method 4
a projector maintained at a specific position relative to the scanning module, the printing module and the object, which projects a light onto the object and serves as a heat source for the printing module
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional 3D scanning/printing apparatus is disclosed in the present invention, wherein the multifunctional apparatus comprises both 3D scanning and printing functions, by sharing a Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector or using a beam splitter (for example, a transflective mirror or a flipping mirror, etc.) to achieve a configuration for all sorts of 3D scanning and 3D printing equipment with the required elements within the same apparatus, and uses the accuracy-increasing apparatus (for example, a prism, a lenticular lens, other asymmetric lenses, etc.) so that the measurement accuracy from the two image sensors will not be restricted by the limited space.