Method for producing three-dimensional shaped product

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Solution Overview

Problem

In three-dimensional shaping processes using laser or electron beam irradiation, the circulation of inert gas within the chamber decreases due to filter clogging, leading to increased fumes inside the chamber, reduced sintering energy, and uneven density.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an anemometer to measure and control the circulation of inert gas per unit time by adjusting the blower's rotational speed, maintaining it within set limits to prevent filter clogging and ensure consistent gas flow, including continuous monitoring to rapidly correct deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the amount of circulation of inert gas is increased to reduce fumes inside the chamber, then the amount of fumes drifting inside the chamber decreases, but the filter of the fume collector becomes clogged more rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of fumes drifting inside the chamberVSAvoidfilter clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the circulation amount is continuously monitored and adjusted based on measured values. The control unit compares the measured circulation amount with a reference value and automatically adjusts the circulation system to maintain the circulation amount within a prescribed range, preventing both excessive fume accumulation and rapid filter clogging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the circulation parameter from a fixed high value to a dynamically controlled value within a prescribed range. By controlling the circulation amount to be within specific limits rather than maximizing it, the system prevents rapid filter clogging while still maintaining sufficient fume removal effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the amount of circulation of inert gas is decreased to prevent filter clogging, then the filter lasts longer, but the amount of fumes drifting inside the chamber increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter service lifeVSAvoidamount of fumes drifting inside the chamber
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system continuously monitors the circulation amount and automatically adjusts it to maintain values within the prescribed range. This ensures the circulation is sufficient to control fumes while not being excessively high to cause rapid filter clogging, thereby extending filter service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from extreme low circulation values to controlled values within a prescribed range. By maintaining circulation within optimal limits rather than minimizing it, the system achieves both adequate fume removal and extended filter durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the circulation amount is not controlled, then the system operation is simple, but the sintering energy becomes uneven and sintered density becomes non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidsintered density uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic feedback control that measures the circulation amount and adjusts it to maintain values within a prescribed range. This automated control ensures consistent sintering conditions and uniform sintered density while requiring minimal operator intervention, maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment through automatic control based on measured values. The control unit automatically regulates the circulation amount within the prescribed range without requiring manual intervention, achieving both operational simplicity and manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method effectively limits the amount of fumes inside the chamber, maintaining consistent sintering energy and density by preventing filter clogging and ensuring stable gas circulation.

Implementation Method 1

the amount of circulation of inert gas-containing gas per unit time is measured by an anemometer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a blower that circulates inert gas-containing gas inside and outside the chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas circulation:

Implementation Method 3

a filter that removes fumes generated from the powder layers due to the irradiation in a fume collector that traps the fumes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFume filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

irradiation onto powder layers formed by the dispersion with a laser beam or electron beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser irradiation: Laser

Implementation Method 5

irradiation onto powder layers formed by the dispersion with a laser beam or electron beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron beam irradiation: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 6

the irradiation unavoidably generates fumes with smoky state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentUS11141920B2Method for producing three-dimensional shaped product
Publication Date: 2021.10.12 MATSUURA MACHINERY CO LTD
  • US11141920B2 patent drawing
  • US11141920B2 patent drawing
  • US11141920B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for producing a three-dimensional shaped product that employs a shaping method based on dispersion of powder by a squeegee and irradiation onto a powder layer with a laser beam or electron beam, includes the following steps: 1. Setting an upper limit value and lower limit value for the amount of circulation passing through an anemometer, and an adjusting value within this range; 2. Measuring the amount of circulation and effecting control as follows: (1) When the measured value is between the upper limit value and lower limit value, the rotational speed of the blower fan is maintained, and (2) When the measured value has fallen below the lower limit value due to clogging of a filter, the rotational speed of the fan is increased and the rotational speed is selected at the stage where the measured value has reached the adjusting value, and the rotational speed is maintained.