Additive Manufacturing Cleaning Station for Print Head Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in scaling additive manufacturing apparatuses for commercial production is improving manufacturing throughput to meet demand.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning station with rotating wipe members and reservoirs for cleaning fluids, along with a wet cleaning member and a spit capture tray, is introduced to efficiently clean the print head and maintain the additive manufacturing apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If additive manufacturing apparatuses are scaled for commercial production, then production capacity increases, but manufacturing throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing throughputVSAvoidapparatus scaling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is divided into multiple specialized components: a first rotating wipe member with wiper blades for general cleaning, a second rotating wipe member for additional cleaning passes, a wet cleaning member with fluid channels for liquid cleaning, and a spit capture tray for contaminant collection. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific cleaning function efficiently, maintaining high throughput while managing the complexity of scaled production through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If cleaning frequency is increased to maintain print head performance, then nozzle clogging is reduced, but manufacturing throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint head performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system performs preliminary cleaning actions during idle periods or between printing operations. The rotating wipe members and wet cleaning member are positioned to clean the print head proactively before contaminants can cause clogging, ensuring print head reliability without requiring frequent interruptions to the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning components are designed to operate continuously or near-continuously during manufacturing cycles. The rotating wipe members can spin continuously, and the wet cleaning member can maintain fluid flow continuously, ensuring uninterrupted cleaning action that maintains print head performance without stopping production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If multiple cleaning components are added to the cleaning station, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning station complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cleaning functions are merged into a single integrated cleaning station. The first wipe member, second wipe member, wet cleaning member, and spit capture tray are combined in one station, allowing all cleaning operations to be performed in a single location without requiring multiple separate cleaning systems throughout the apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning station is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform dry wiping, wet cleaning, and contaminant capture simultaneously. This universal cleaning station handles various cleaning needs (resin removal, nozzle cleaning, contaminant collection) in one integrated system, improving cleaning effectiveness while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate cleaning devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 cleaning station enhances the throughput of additive manufacturing by effectively removing contaminants from the print head, reducing the risk of clogged nozzles, and maintaining the performance of the apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a first wipe member rotatable about a first rotational axis comprising one or more wiper blades... as the first wipe member is rotated about the first rotational axis, the one or more wiper blades are rotated into and out of the volume of cleaning fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a first wipe reservoir containing a volume of cleaning fluid therein... effectively removing contaminants from the print head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

a wet cleaning member comprising a fluid channel containing a volume of cleaning fluid therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 4

a cleaning station vessel positioned below the first wipe member, the second wipe member, and the wet cleaning member to receive cleaning fluid therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 5

a spit capture tray containing a volume of cleaning fluid therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 6

a spit capture tray containing a volume of cleaning fluid therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentUS12202200B2Cleaning systems for additive manufacturing apparatuses and methods for using the same

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to additive manufacturing apparatuses, cleaning stations incorporated therein, and methods of cleaning using the cleaning stations.