Adjustable Head Mount for Digital Manufacturing Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Digital manufacturing systems face a risk of damaging deposition heads due to substantial force loads from platform movements, which can cause the platform to overshoot and collide with the deposition head, exceeding the force the head is designed to withstand.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable head mount is integrated into the digital manufacturing system, allowing the deposition head to tilt or move upward when contacted by the platform, reducing the applied load and incorporating safety mechanisms to prevent further upward movement and protect the deposition head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the platform assembly is designed to move with substantial force load for large build areas, then the platform can support larger build volumes, but the deposition head may be damaged if the platform overshoots its position
Solution Approach 1:
The head mount is designed with movable components that allow the deposition head to tilt or move upward in response to platform contact, transforming a static rigid mounting into a dynamic protective mechanism. This enables the system to accommodate large build volumes while protecting the deposition head from damage during platform overshoot events.
Solution Approach 2:
The head mount acts as an intermediary mechanism between the platform assembly and the deposition head. It includes a movable component that serves as a mediator, allowing controlled movement of the deposition head when the platform applies force, thereby preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the deposition head.
2Manufacturing precision
If the deposition head is rigidly fixed to withstand positioning forces, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but the head cannot accommodate platform movement errors without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The head mount transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic movable connection. The movable component allows the deposition head to tilt or move upward when contacted by the platform, maintaining positioning accuracy during normal operation while accommodating errors during platform overshoot events.
Solution Approach 2:
The head mount is designed with built-in protective capability that activates before severe damage occurs. The movable component provides a cushioning effect by allowing controlled movement when the platform applies excessive force, preventing catastrophic damage to the deposition head.
3Strength
If the deposition head is designed to withstand high force loads, then it can resist platform contact forces, but the complexity and cost of the head increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of strengthening the deposition head itself to withstand high forces, the head mount introduces an intermediary movable component that handles the force management. This allows the deposition head to remain relatively simple while the head mount absorbs the complexity of force load management through its movable mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A head mount for use in a digital manufacturing system, where the head mount comprises a first component supported by at least one gantry of the digital manufacturing system, and a second component configured to retain a deposition head of the digital manufacturing system, and to move relative to the first component in response to a load applied to the deposition head from a platform assembly of the digital manufacturing system.