Combined Additive and Ablative Machining Head

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining methods struggle to achieve the required precision and complexity in making parts with intricate shapes, as they often require repositioning or changing machine configurations, leading to inefficiencies and reduced precision when switching between additive and ablative machining operations.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that allow for seamless transition between machining by addition and shaping using the same machining head, with continuous control of the tool's direction, maintaining a constant mass structure and using sensing means to compensate for thermal dilatation, enabling precise three-dimensional trajectories and optimal material deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate machining devices are used for additive and ablative operations, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the precision is reduced due to repositioning and configuration changes between operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated equipment for each operationVSAvoidprecision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines additive machining means (material deposition device) and ablative machining means (cutting tool) into a single machining head that can perform both operations. This merging eliminates the need to reposition or reconfigure the machine between additive and ablative operations, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while still allowing each operation type to be performed with specialized tools within the same head assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machining head is designed as a universal device capable of performing multiple functions - both additive machining (depositing material layers) and ablative machining (removing material through cutting). This multi-functionality allows the same machining head to execute different operations without changing the machine configuration or repositioning the workpiece, thus preserving precision across operation transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the machine configuration is changed between additive and ablative operations, then different machining operations can be performed, but productivity is reduced due to repositioning time and configuration changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining operation capabilityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging additive and ablative machining capabilities into a single machining head, the system eliminates time-consuming repositioning and reconfiguration operations. The machining head can switch between additive and ablative modes instantaneously, maintaining adaptability for different machining operations while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating transition downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The combined machining head enables continuous useful action by allowing additive and ablative operations to be performed in sequence without interruption for repositioning or reconfiguration. The machining process can proceed continuously with the head switching between depositing and removing material as needed, maximizing productivity while maintaining operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the machining head mass changes between operations, then different tools can be used, but machine performance deteriorates due to movement in non-optimal working volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool capabilityVSAvoidmachine performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The machining head incorporates counterbalancing mechanisms where the mass of the additive machining means is compensated by the mass of the ablative machining means. When one set of tools is active, the other is positioned to provide counterbalancing weight, keeping the overall center of gravity of the moving mass constant. This maintains optimal machine performance and stability throughout the working volume regardless of which operation is being performed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 approach enhances precision and surface quality by allowing both machining operations to be performed in the same phase without repositioning or reconfiguring the machine, optimizing material usage and maintaining machine performance within its optimal working volume.

Implementation Method 1

a first series of effectors is used to deposit a bed of powder and sinter part of that bed of powder by means of a laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser melting: Laser

Implementation Method 2

sensing means placed on the machining head; means for measuring, on the motorized axes, the position of said sensing means in the machine space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion detection: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS9962799B2Method and machining device by combined addition of material and shaping

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 ECOLE CENTE DE NANTES

AI summary

A machining method and apparatus for machining a part comprises a machining head and motorized axes comprising a rotary axis for displacing the machining head in a working space. Apparatus comprises a mechanism for positioning a part and holding it in position the working space. The machining head comprises a support for supporting a material shaping tool and a supply device for supplying material.