Autonomous Mixing System for 3D Printed Buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction technologies face challenges in efficiently and sustainably constructing reinforced structures with minimal waste and energy consumption, while also requiring high levels of human intervention and resulting in excessive costs.
Innovation Solution
A fully autonomous mixing and feeding system for 3D printing of buildings, comprising a mixing system, a flushing ball release mechanism, and a mixture dispenser, which ensures consistent mixing and dispensing of materials with minimal human intervention, reducing waste and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional construction methods are used, then human intervention and flexibility are maintained, but construction time, costs, and waste increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system is designed to be fully autonomous, automatically mixing construction materials without human intervention. The system self-regulates the mixing process, material flow, and timing, eliminating the need for operators to manually control each aspect of material preparation while maintaining consistent quality and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated mixing mechanisms. The mixing system uses automated augers, mixers, and dispensing mechanisms controlled by a central system, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated ones to increase speed and reduce labor requirements.
2Loss of substance
If conventional construction technologies are used, then structural reinforcement can be achieved, but material waste and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system precisely controls material composition parameters, including the ratio of binding agents to aggregates and the timing of material dispensing. By optimizing these parameters, the system ensures adequate structural reinforcement while minimizing excess material usage and waste generation during the construction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and mixes materials with precise reinforcement properties before construction begins. Materials are pre-mixed with optimal reinforcement characteristics, ensuring that structural integrity is built-in from the start rather than requiring additional corrective materials or rework that would generate waste.
3Loss of time
If fast-setting materials are used for 3D printing, then construction time is reduced, but mixing and dispensing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system operates continuously without interruption, maintaining a steady flow of mixed material from the mixing chamber through the dispensing mechanism. This continuous operation is essential for fast-setting materials, as it ensures uninterrupted deposition and prevents interruptions that would require material handling breaks, thereby reducing overall construction time despite the complex system requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing system is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated unit: mixing different material components, controlling material flow rate, regulating temperature, and coordinating with the 3D printing deposition system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, managing complexity while enabling the rapid processing needed for fast-setting materials.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a mixing and feeding system for 3D printing of buildings, designed for extruding highly viscous construction material with a high setting speed. The invention ensures consistent quality of material mixture and does not depend on external and unpredictable factors. The system utilizes a piston water dispenser, a single horizontal brushless motor, water metering nozzles, a pneumatic clutch, separation of wet and dry areas, an optional high pressure washer, and an automatic release of flushing balls for additional and autonomous cleaning. Any extruder should be installed as close as possible to the dispenser supply line of the present invention, such that the system sensors may detect the proper dose of mixed material.