Adaptable Suction Tool for 3D Printed Object Unpacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unpacking devices for additively manufactured three-dimensional objects face challenges with complex geometries, as their fixed design can damage objects and fail to efficiently remove unsolidified construction material, particularly for objects with intricate designs.
Innovation Solution
An unpacking device with a suction and/or blower tool body that has a geometrically adaptable design, allowing it to be customized to match the specific shape of the object, using modular segments and a robot system for automated operation, enabling precise and safe removal of construction material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed geometric design of suction and/or blower tool body is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different object geometries and may damage complexly designed objects
Solution Approach 1:
The suction and/or blower tool body is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be assembled in different configurations. Each segment can be independently manufactured and stored, allowing the tool body geometry to be adapted to match different object geometries by selecting and assembling appropriate segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool body transitions from a fixed static design to a dynamic reconfigurable design. The detachable segments allow the tool body geometry to be changed between operations, enabling adaptation to various object shapes while maintaining structural integrity during each specific unpacking operation.
2Productivity
If a fixed geometric design of suction and/or blower tool body is used, then manufacturing is easier, but unpacking efficiency for complex geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tool body into standardized modules, the manufacturing complexity is distributed across identical or similar components that can be produced using the same processes. This maintains ease of manufacture while enabling configuration diversity for different object geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool body geometry parameters (shape, size, configuration) are made variable through segment assembly rather than fixed in the manufacturing process. This allows the same set of segments to be manufactured once and then configured to match different object geometries, improving unpacking efficiency without increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If a fixed geometric design of suction and/or blower tool body is used, then the device is simpler to operate, but safety for complexly designed objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool body is designed to be reconfigurable between operations but stable during operation. The detachable segments can be assembled to match the object geometry before unpacking, improving safety, while automated or pre-configured assembly processes minimize the operational complexity burden on the user.
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
The adaptable design reduces damage to complexly designed objects and enables efficient, automated unpacking of additively manufactured objects, improving safety and efficiency in the unpacking process.
Implementation Method 1
The suction and/or blower device is provided for generating a suction and/or blower flow for unpacking a respective object
Data Source
AI summary
An unpacking device (4) for unpacking an additively manufactured three-dimensional object (2) from the unsolidified construction material (3) surrounding it after completion of an additive construction process, comprising a suction and/or blower device (12) which comprises at least one suction and/or blower tool (10) with a suction and/or blower tool body (12), wherein the geometric structural design of the suction and/or blower tool body (13) can be or is adapted to at least a partial area of the geometric structural design of an additively manufactured three-dimensional object (2) to be unpacked.