Common AM Interface for Modular Tools in Hybrid Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subtractive manufacturing systems struggle to integrate additive manufacturing components seamlessly due to their complex resource requirements and varying physical dimensions, often employing an ad-hoc approach that complicates the system configuration.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid manufacturing system integrates additive manufacturing (AM) tools through a unified AM tool interface that connects to a plurality of resource supplies and allows for modular AM tools to be incorporated within a subtractive manufacturing system, utilizing a common interface that includes conduits, cables, and gas lines to provide necessary resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additive manufacturing components are integrated into subtractive manufacturing systems using an ad-hoc approach, then each AM component can be customized for its specific resource requirements, but the system configuration becomes complicated and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized AM tool interface that can accommodate multiple types of additive manufacturing tools (laser deposition, material extrusion, directed energy deposition) through a single unified interface design. This interface provides universal resource connections (power, gas, material supply) that work across different AM tool types, eliminating the need for custom configurations for each tool while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the AM tool interface into modular components: a standardized mounting interface for tool attachment, separate resource connection points for power/gas/material, and individual conduit pathways. This segmentation allows each resource type to be independently connected and configured while maintaining overall system standardization, reducing configuration complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of AM tools are integrated with customized resource connections, then each tool receives its specific resources, but the physical dimensions and connection requirements vary greatly complicating the integration
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized AM tool interface provides universal mounting dimensions and connection point locations that work across different AM tool types. The interface includes standardized power connections, gas inlet/outlet positions, and material supply ports that accommodate laser deposition, material extrusion, and directed energy deposition tools without requiring custom integration for each tool type.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized AM tool interface acts as an intermediary between the subtractive manufacturing system and various AM tools. It provides a mediating layer with standardized connections that translates between the diverse requirements of different AM tools and the unified resource supply system, simplifying integration while maintaining tool-specific functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a unified AM tool interface is implemented to simplify system configuration, then integration becomes easier and more standardized, but flexibility in accommodating different resource requirements may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The unified AM tool interface incorporates multiple resource connection points within a single standardized structure, providing universal support for power, gas, and material supply through standardized interfaces. This allows the same physical interface to accommodate different resource requirements of various AM tools while maintaining ease of integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface design allows for dynamic configuration of resource connections based on the specific AM tool installed. The interface maintains fixed standardized connection points but allows flexible routing and configuration of resources (power levels, gas flow rates, material types) to match the specific requirements of whichever AM tool is currently mounted, providing adaptability within a unified structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid manufacturing system includes an additive manufacturing (AM) interface that mates with a plurality of modular AM tools to provide AM capabilities in a subtractive manufacturing system. The AM interface provides a common interface for delivering a plurality of resources to each of the modular AM tools. The AM tools are formed with multiple components, some of which can be used in different AM tools.