Additive Manufacturing Position Detection Using Reflected Beams
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing processes face challenges in accurately determining the position of objects within the manufacturing apparatus, leading to misalignment and imperfections due to manual alignment and verification processes, which are time-consuming and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus equipped with a position determination device that uses a measurement beam to detect the reflection of an energy beam off the object's surface, allowing for precise determination of the object's position through a detection unit, such as a photo diode or camera, and generating a map of the object's location relative to the carrying element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment and verification processes are used to determine object position, then the position can be determined with adequate accuracy, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical measurement system. A measurement beam (e.g., laser) is projected onto the object surface, and a detection unit captures the reflected beam to automatically calculate position coordinates, eliminating the need for manual alignment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The object itself serves as the measurement target without requiring external alignment fixtures or tools. The measurement beam reflects off the object's surface, and the detection unit uses the object's own geometric features to determine its position, enabling self-alignment functionality.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment processes are used, then position determination can be performed, but operator skill and experience are required making the process cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual alignment operations with an automated optical measurement system. A measurement beam (e.g., laser) is projected onto the object surface, and a detection unit captures the reflected beam to automatically calculate position coordinates, eliminating the need for manual alignment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy or representation of the object's position by detecting the reflected measurement beam. This optical information is then processed to determine precise position coordinates, replacing the need for manual measurement and interpretation.
3Productivity
If automated position determination using beam reflection is implemented, then alignment speed and accuracy are improved, but additional measurement equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement beam source and detection unit are integrated into the existing additive manufacturing apparatus structure. The same optical components serve both the measurement function and the manufacturing process, reducing the need for entirely separate measurement equipment and minimizing additional device complexity.
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
Enables rapid and accurate alignment of objects within the manufacturing process, reducing time and effort in positioning, and ensuring precise alignment of irradiation patterns for improved manufacturing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
determination of position data relating to a position of at least one part of at least one object based on a detection of a reflected part of the measurement beam which is reflected at the at least one part of the at least one object
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus (11) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (19) which can be consolidated by means of an energy source, wherein a position determination device (1) is provided that is adapted to determine position data relating to a position of at least one part (3) of at least one object (2) based on a detection of a reflected part (8) of an energy beam (16) or a measurement beam (5) that is reflected at the at least one part (3) of the at least one object (2).