Adaptable Structure Holders for 3D Printing Material Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structure holders in 3D printing devices are not optimally utilized, leading to excessive material usage and prolonged construction times due to their fixed, oversized designs, which result in high costs and inefficient travel paths during the layering process.
Innovation Solution
Adapting structure holders to the specific shape and size of the object being printed, allowing for variable placement and configuration within the device, including the use of shape-adapted structure and overflow holders, and potentially movable side walls to minimize material usage and travel paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed, oversized structure holders are used, then the device can accommodate various objects, but structure material costs increase and construction times are prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The structure holder is divided into multiple interchangeable holders with different sizes and shapes. Each holder is optimized for specific object types, allowing the system to accommodate various objects while minimizing unused space and material usage for each specific construction task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed holders to dynamic, interchangeable holders that can be selected and replaced based on the specific object being constructed. This allows the structure holder configuration to adapt to different construction requirements, optimizing both material efficiency and construction speed.
2Reliability
If fixed, oversized structure holders are used, then the device maintains consistent operation, but construction times are extended due to longer travel paths
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the holder system into multiple specialized holders, each with optimized dimensions for specific object types, the travel path of the application device is minimized for each construction task while maintaining reliable and consistent operation within the optimized holder boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the structure holder (size, shape, dimensions) based on the specific construction task. This optimization of holder parameters reduces the travel path length and improves construction speed while maintaining operational reliability through standardized holder interfaces and procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If oversized structure holders are used, then all objects can be accommodated, but the application device must travel longer paths
Solution Approach 1:
The holder system is segmented into multiple specialized holders, each optimized for specific object dimensions and geometries. This allows the application device to operate within minimized travel paths for each specific holder while the overall system maintains high adaptability through the availability of multiple holder types.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable holder system provides universal accommodation capability across multiple holder types, each designed for specific object categories. This multi-functional holder system reduces travel path length for each specific construction task while maintaining the ability to accommodate diverse object types.
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 reduces construction costs and time by optimizing the structure holder dimensions and travel paths, enabling more efficient use of materials and faster printing processes, while allowing for the customization of holders to fit unique object shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
successive solidifying of layers of a structural material that can be solidified by means of radiation
Implementation Method 2
A focused laser beam in particular is used for this, which fuses the structure material to or on the powder layer at the locations to be solidified
Implementation Method 3
Cooling produces a solidification of the structure material
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for producing three-dimensional objects (2) by successive solidifying of layers of a structural material (3) that can be solidified by means of radiation at the locations corresponding to the respective cross-section of the object (2), comprising a housing (4) surrounding a process chamber (5), a structure holder (6) arranged therein, an applicator device (7) for applying layers of the structural material (3) onto a supporting device (8) in the structure holder (6) or a previously formed layer, comprising a coating element (9) guided in a coating application direction over a structure surface of the structure holder (6), a metering unit for feeding the structure material (3) to the application device (7), an irradiation device (12) for irradiating layers of structural material (3) at the locations corresponding to the respective cross-section of the object (2) with a focused energy beam.