Additive Fabrication Failure Reporting With Image-Based Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing additive fabrication technologies face challenges in effectively collecting and analyzing process failures, as user-reported information is often inconsistent and difficult to analyze, hindering manufacturers' ability to identify and address underlying issues.

Innovation Solution

A standardized process for reporting additive fabrication process failures through graphical user interfaces on devices and mobile apps, allowing users to capture and annotate images of failures, and send information to a remote server for analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If users manually report additive fabrication process failures through traditional methods, then manufacturers can collect failure information, but the information is inconsistent and difficult to analyze

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefailure data qualityVSAvoidreporting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image copying technology where users capture photos of failed prints and the system automatically processes these visual copies to extract failure information. This replaces manual text descriptions with automated image analysis, ensuring consistent data collection while reducing the complexity of the reporting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where failure images and data are systematically collected, analyzed, and fed back to manufacturers for continuous improvement. This structured feedback loop transforms unstructured user reports into actionable insights without increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manufacturers implement comprehensive failure collection systems, then they can identify patterns and provide targeted support, but the collection and analysis process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefailure analysis efficiencyVSAvoiddata processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing and preprocessing failure data at the point of occurrence. Users simply submit failure images, and the system pre-processes this data with automated analysis algorithms before transmission to manufacturers, eliminating time-consuming manual analysis later in the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical processes of data collection and analysis with automated computational methods. Image recognition algorithms and automated data processing systems substitute for human analysts, dramatically improving productivity while reducing the time required to process failure data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12482300B2Systems and methods for collecting and analyzing additive fabrication process results of an additive fabrication device

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 FORMLABS INC

AI summary

Techniques are described to gather information from an end user relating to fabrication process failures in a standardized manner. This information may be provided to an additive fabrication device manufacturer and analyzed by the manufacturer. Analysis may include identifying patterns in the data to identity problems relating to an additive fabrication device, software used to operate the device and/or user operations. Identification of such patterns may aid in selecting and/or generating support solutions to be provided the end user, or to improve the additive fabrication device and/or software.