Additive Manufacturing Build Plate Handling Bracket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional additive manufacturing build plates are heavy, awkward to handle, and require manual handling that can lead to strain and potential damage, with limited accessibility for post-processing due to their design.

Innovation Solution

A build plate system with a peripheral surface featuring gripping elements such as slots, channels, or through holes, allowing for a removably engaged handling bracket that includes a main member and latching mechanism, enabling secure and ergonomic handling and movement of the plate using a lifting device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling of build plates is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but handler strain and potential damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling easeVSAvoidhandler strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A handling bracket is introduced as an intermediary device between the handler and the build plate. The bracket includes a main member that engages with gripping features on the build plate and an interface that connects to lifting equipment, distributing the weight and reducing direct strain on the handler's hands and arms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If build plates are made heavy duty for durability, then strength and reliability improve, but handling difficulty and strain increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplate strengthVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handling bracket serves as a mechanical intermediary that allows heavy build plates to be moved without direct manual lifting. The bracket interfaces with lifting equipment to bear the full weight of the plate, while the gripping features distribute the load across multiple engagement points on the plate structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If parts are built close to the edge of the build plate to maximize space utilization, then productivity increases, but material handling difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmaterial handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handling bracket with its extended main member provides a mechanical lever arm that reaches beyond the build plate edge. This allows materials to be fed and removed from positions close to the plate edge while the bracket maintains secure engagement with the plate's gripping features, enabling safe handling even when parts occupy maximum plate space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the rear of the build plate is kept accessible for post processing equipment mounting, then adaptability improves, but structural integrity and handling stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment mounting flexibilityVSAvoidplate stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The handling bracket engages with gripping features that are positioned to maintain structural integrity of the build plate while providing adequate clearance for post-processing equipment. The bracket's design allows the rear portion of the plate to remain accessible for mounting equipment while the engagement points are strategically located to preserve plate stability during handling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11679435B2Additive manufacturing build plates and handling

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 COLLINS ENGINE NOZZLES INC

AI summary

An additive manufacturing build plate system includes a plate body defining a build surface and a rear surface opposite the build surface. A peripheral surface extends between the rear surface and the build surface. At least one gripping feature is defined in the peripheral surface, extending inwardly into the plate body between the build surface and the rear surface.