Additive Manufacturing Device Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing additive manufacturing devices face challenges in achieving consistent and homogeneous temperature control of the build space, leading to potential inconsistencies in the quality of the produced three-dimensional objects. Additionally, the rigid integration of mass preparation and discharge units into the build space complicates scalability and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A device with a closed three-dimensional construction space and a freely movable object carrier, where the mass preparation unit is positioned at least partially above the construction space. This configuration allows for flexible variation of the build space size independently of the mass preparation unit and enables consistent temperature control through partial closure of the upper opening by the discharge nozzle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the mass preparation unit and discharge unit are rigidly integrated into the build space, then the device structure is simplified, but the build space size cannot be varied independently and maintenance becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidbuild space size variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: the mass preparation unit (30) and discharge unit (40) are positioned above the build space (10) rather than being integrated into it. This segmentation allows the build space size to be varied independently while maintaining a simplified overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the mass preparation unit is positioned above the build space, then the build space size can be varied independently, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuild space size variationVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mass preparation unit and discharge unit are positioned in a different spatial dimension (above the build space) rather than being integrated within it. This dimensional separation allows independent variation of build space size while keeping the device structure relatively simple through vertical arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If parts of the device are arranged directly in the build space, then the device design is simplified, but maintenance and replacement of individual parts becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice designVSAvoidmaintenance and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mass preparation unit and discharge unit are extracted from the build space and positioned above it. This extraction allows these components to be easily accessed, maintained, and replaced without disrupting the build space environment, while the device design remains simplified through their functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If the build space is open for access, then maintenance is easier, but temperature control consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidtemperature control consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The build space is enclosed by walls that can be opened or closed as needed. This enclosure allows the space to be sealed for consistent temperature control during operation, while still permitting access for maintenance when opened. The flexible enclosure design reconciles the need for both temperature consistency and maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP4387830B1Additive manufacturing device
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 ARBURG GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4387830B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4387830B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4387830B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for producing a three-dimensional object from a plasticisable and solidifiable mass, comprising a closed three-dimensional construction chamber (10) for the construction of the object, which extends in an x-y plane, with an object carrier (20) arranged therein, which can be rotated and freely moved in all three spatial directions, and a mass preparation unit (30) with an application unit (40) for applying the plasticised mass, wherein the mass preparation unit (30) is arranged at least partially above the construction chamber (10). So that the closed construction chamber (10) can have any kind of three-dimensional spatial expansion, that the construction chamber has at least one opening in an upper closure plane (11) that can be closed by at least one application nozzle (41) of the application unit (40), and that the mass preparation unit (30) is rotatably mounted at least about a first axis (A), arranged in or parallel to the plane, a flexibly utilisable device is provided for the homogeneous production of a three-dimensional object of good quality by means of additive manufacturing.