Additive Manufacturing Build Material Container with Segmented Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing additive manufacturing build material containers face challenges in efficiently transporting and managing build materials, particularly powders, due to restricted access during aspiration, which hinders filling or emptying while collection is ongoing, and requires cumbersome disconnection and reconnection of outlet openings.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a build material container with a throughput structure that includes a venting opening and a removable filter, allowing for simultaneous venting, filling, and emptying without interrupting collection, using air flow to transport materials and a flexible reservoir for easy handling and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the outlet opening is sealed during aspiration to prevent material leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but access for filling or emptying is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidaccess for filling or emptying

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet structure is segmented into a sealed outlet opening for aspiration and a separate throughput structure with its own opening. This segmentation allows the outlet opening to remain sealed during aspiration while the throughput opening provides access for filling or emptying operations, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The throughput structure acts as an intermediary access path that is distinct from the outlet opening. This intermediary structure allows material to be added or removed through a separate route while the primary outlet remains sealed and connected to the collection system, enabling both functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the outlet opening is disconnected to allow filling or emptying, then access is improved, but collection process is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess for filling or emptyingVSAvoidcollection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The container structure is divided into separate access paths: the outlet opening for collection and the throughput opening for filling/emptying. This segmentation enables independent operation of both functions, allowing filling or emptying through the throughput structure without disconnecting or interrupting the collection process at the outlet opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The throughput structure provides multi-functionality by serving as both a venting path and an access route for filling or emptying. This universal structure eliminates the need to disconnect the outlet opening for these operations, maintaining continuous collection while enabling access for material management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If a rigid container structure is used to maintain structural integrity, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility for handling and storage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidhandling and storage flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs a flexible reservoir that can be collapsed as material is removed, improving handling and storage flexibility. The flexible structure maintains sufficient structural integrity through its design while allowing easy compression and compact storage when empty, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enhances the efficiency of build material transport and management by enabling continuous collection while allowing for easy filling and emptying without disrupting the collection process, reducing user manipulation and improving handling and storage capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The build material, such as powder, is entrained out of the container by the air flow traveling through the outlet opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow transport: Entrainment

Implementation Method 2

The removable filter, when coupled to the container, covers the throughput opening so as to allow air to pass while retaining build material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3455052B1Build material container

Publication Date: 2019.10.30 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

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Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

An additive manufacturing build material container (1) comprises a reservoir (3) to hold build material (11) and a build material outlet structure (13). The container also includes a throughput structure (35) to allow air to enter into the reservoir through the throughput opening (OP2), wherein said throughput opening provides access to build material in and out of the reservoir.