Anisotropic Build Support for Uniform Heating and Low Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing build systems face challenges in properly building objects due to issues with energy beam irradiation and material supply, particularly in maintaining uniform temperature and supporting the object effectively.
Innovation Solution
A build system comprising a build apparatus that irradiates an object with an energy beam, a support apparatus with three or more support members that provide differential stiffness in different directions, and a heating apparatus that heats the object from underneath, ensuring proper object support and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the object is heated from underneath to maintain uniform temperature, then temperature distribution is improved, but thermal stress and deformation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus provides upward support force to counterbalance the downward thermal stress caused by heating from underneath, preventing deformation of the object during the heating process
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffness of the support part is specifically designed to be lower in the vertical direction (heating direction) than in the horizontal direction, allowing controlled flexibility to accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining positional stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support part has high stiffness to stabilize the object, then object stability is improved, but thermal stress accumulation increases during heating
Solution Approach 1:
The support part has different stiffness characteristics in different directions: high horizontal stiffness for stability and low vertical stiffness to accommodate thermal stress, creating anisotropic mechanical properties tailored to the specific heating process requirements
3Manufacturing precision
If the build apparatus precisely irradiates energy beam to build object, then manufacturing precision is improved, but object deformation due to localized heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A heating apparatus is introduced as an intermediary device that applies uniform heat from underneath to the object, compensating for the localized heating effects of the energy beam and ensuring overall temperature uniformity during the building process
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 system effectively builds objects by ensuring precise energy beam application, stable object support, and controlled temperature distribution, thereby improving the build process and reducing deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a heating apparatus that is configured to heat the object from a position under the object
Implementation Method 2
a build apparatus that is configured to irradiate an object with an energy beam from a position above the object
Data Source
AI summary
A build system includes: a build apparatus that is configured to irradiate an object with an energy beam from a position above the object and that is configured to build a build object on the object by supplying a build material to an irradiation position of the energy beam; a support apparatus that includes three or more support members for supporting the object; and a heating apparatus configured to heat the object from a position under the object, each support member includes: a connecting part that contacts the object; and a support part configured to support the object, a stiffness of the support part in a first direction is lower than a stiffness of the support part in a second direction that intersects the first direction, the second direction is a direction that intersects a plane including the connecting parts of the three or more support members.