Articulating Build Platform for Automated 3D Printing Ejection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies face challenges in automating the ejection of printed objects from the build platform, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in autonomous printing operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a build platform with a top surface and a plurality of individually articulating sections, actuated by corresponding mechanisms, which allows for synchronized vertical movement to break bonds between the object and the build platform, enabling efficient ejection of printed objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the build platform provides strong adhesion to ensure first layer attachment, then printing reliability is improved, but object removal becomes difficult and requires significant physical force
Solution Approach 1:
The build platform is divided into multiple independently articulating sections that can be selectively actuated. This segmentation allows localized elevation of platform sections to break bonds between the printed object and platform, enabling controlled object removal without requiring excessive force on the entire platform-object interface.
2Extent of automation
If the build platform is made flexible to enable object ejection through bending, then automated ejection is improved, but the platform becomes susceptible to warping during printing
Solution Approach 1:
The build platform transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with individually articulating sections that can be selectively elevated. This dynamic capability allows the platform to maintain flatness during printing while enabling controlled deformation for object ejection, eliminating the warping issues associated with fully flexible platforms.
3Device complexity
If manual removal of printed objects is required, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to operator bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The build platform system performs self-service by automatically breaking the bonds between printed objects and the platform through selective elevation of articulating sections. This eliminates the need for manual operator intervention, removing the productivity bottleneck while keeping the mechanism relatively simple compared to fully automated robotic removal systems.
4Extent of automation
If a thin flexible build surface is used for automated conveyor-based ejection, then automated ejection is improved, but the surface cannot counteract warping forces of large objects
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a single thin flexible surface, the platform employs multiple rigid articulating sections that can be independently actuated. This segmentation provides sufficient structural strength to counteract warping forces of large objects while enabling automated ejection through selective elevation of individual sections to break object-platform bonds.
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
This solution enables automated and efficient ejection of printed objects, allowing for continuous operation without human intervention, while maintaining a flat surface for printing and minimizing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
break bonds between the object and the build platform
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for autonomously creating subsequent physical objects using a 3-dimensional printer. The system includes a build platform which is ejected with a printed object adhered to it, with a replenishing mechanism to place a blank build platform into the expected build area such that printing a subsequent object may occur autonomously. The replenishing mechanism may draw from a plurality of stored blank build platforms which may be reusable in some embodiments and disposable in others.