Additive Manufacturing Network Control With Secure Device Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing systems lack efficient and secure communication methods for instructing multiple additive manufacturing devices across various local networks, leading to potential operating errors and security risks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first computing infrastructure with a web server for user selection and a second computing infrastructure connectable to multiple additive manufacturing devices, allowing for secure and efficient communication by sending instructions and manufacturer identifiers to instruct the devices to manufacture components in layers, with authentication and virtual private network usage for secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user directly controls multiple additive manufacturing devices across different local networks, then the user can manually select and operate devices, but the system complexity increases and security risks arise from direct network access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based platform as an intermediary between users and additive manufacturing devices. The platform includes a web server for user authentication and device selection, and a communication server that mediates all communications between users and devices through standardized protocols. This intermediary layer simplifies user interaction while maintaining security and reducing direct network exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: user authentication module, device registration module, communication protocol handler, and manufacturing control module. Each module operates independently with defined interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while enabling scalable deployment across multiple networks and devices.
2Productivity
If direct communication is established between computing infrastructure and additive manufacturing devices across networks, then device control is possible, but security risks increase for network components
Solution Approach 1:
The communication server acts as a secure intermediary that all devices must communicate through. It implements authentication, authorization, and encrypted communication channels, preventing direct unauthorized access to network components while enabling remote device control and monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary security measures including device registration and authentication before any manufacturing operations. The communication server validates all incoming requests against authorized device lists and user permissions, preventing unauthorized access before security breaches can occur.
3Manufacturing precision
If users provide extensive input for device selection and parameter configuration, then manufacturing precision can be controlled, but the risk of operating errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring device parameters, profiles, and manufacturing settings on the server side. Users select from pre-defined templates and options rather than manually configuring each parameter, reducing input errors while maintaining manufacturing precision through server-side validation and optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication server provides real-time feedback to users about device status, available parameters, and manufacturing progress. This feedback mechanism guides users through the manufacturing process, confirming selections and alerting to potential errors before they affect manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to, inter alia, an installation including a first computing infrastructure with a web server which is configured to provide a user interface by means of which a component can be selected by a user logged into the web server, and a second computing infrastructure which can be connected to a plurality of additive manufacturing devices in a plurality of local networks for operating the additive manufacturing devices. The first computing infrastructure sends to the second computing infrastructure instructions which prompt an additive manufacturing device to additively manufacture the selected component in a multiplicity of layers, and a manufacturer identifier which references an additive manufacturing device associated with the logged-in user. The second computing infrastructure receives the instructions and the manufacturer identifier and instructs the additive manufacturing device referenced in the received manufacturer identifier to additively manufacture the selected component according to the received instructions.