Collapsible 3D Printing Material Container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing additive manufacturing systems face challenges in efficiently removing build material from containers, particularly when it forms structures that prevent free movement and complete removal, due to adhesion to container surfaces and compaction over time.

Innovation Solution

The use of collapsible reservoirs with flexible materials and reinforcement structures that transition to a partially collapsed form under pressure differentials, facilitating the dislodgment of build material and breaking up structures through controlled deformation and suction forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If build material is stored in a container for extended periods, then the material becomes compacted and adheres to container surfaces, but this prevents complete removal of the material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage durationVSAvoidmaterial removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container transitions from a rigid structure to a collapsible form, dynamically changing its volume and shape to facilitate material removal. The collapsible walls allow the container to be compressed, breaking up compacted material structures and enabling complete extraction even after extended storage periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The container utilizes pressure differential mechanisms where external pressure is applied to collapse the walls inward, creating suction forces that draw adhered material away from the container surfaces. This pneumatic action effectively removes material that has compacted and stuck to the walls during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Strength

If the container walls are made rigid for structural strength, then the container maintains its shape, but the material cannot be completely removed due to adhesion to surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer structural strengthVSAvoidresidual material

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The container walls are designed to be collapsible rather than rigid, allowing dynamic deformation under applied pressure. This dynamic collapse mechanism maintains structural integrity during normal use while enabling complete material extraction by breaking adhesion bonds between material and wall surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The container employs flexible wall structures that can deform and collapse inward when pressure is applied. These flexible shells allow the container to maintain shape during storage while enabling complete material removal through controlled collapse that dislodges adhered material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the container is designed to be collapsible for easy material removal, then material can be completely extracted, but the container requires more complex reinforcement structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial removalVSAvoidreinforcement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into discrete panels or segments that can be collapsed independently or in sequence. This segmentation allows the structure to simplify during collapse while maintaining necessary reinforcement during the operational state, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container uses flexible shell structures with integrated reinforcement that only engage when needed. The thin film walls provide sufficient structural strength during storage while allowing complete collapse for material removal, avoiding the need for complex rigid reinforcement frameworks.

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 ensures efficient removal of build material, minimizing residual material and preventing incomplete extraction, while allowing for easy handling and reuse of containers.

Implementation Method 1

applying suction forces to a build material contained in the container, wherein the applying of the suction forces causes the reservoir to collapse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

transition to a partially collapsed form under pressure differentials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

collapsible reservoirs with flexible materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11254051B2Build material containers

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 PERIDOT PRINT LLC

AI summary

There is provided a 3D printing build material container (1). The container (1) comprises a reservoir (3) and a reinforcement structure (4). The reservoir is to hold build material. The reinforcement structure is attached to the reservoir at at least one selected location. The reservoir and reinforcement structure are to permit reconfiguration of the container from a relatively flat configuration to an in-use configuration in which the reservoir is tillable with build material.