Confined-Space 3D Printer With Extendable Wall-Adhesion Body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D printing technologies are inadequate for repairing crevices or cracks in complex areas, often requiring complete dismantling or replacement of parts, leading to increased downtime and costs.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled 3D printer capable of traversing and printing in narrow passages, which can elongate and contract using elastic materials, pneumatic bladders, or magnetic coils, equipped with adhesion devices and a material delivery system to navigate and repair crevices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If a traditional 3D printer is used to repair crevices or cracks, then the repair function can be provided, but complete dismantling or replacement of parts is required, leading to increased downtime and costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of repairVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The 3D printer is divided into segmented, modular components that can be independently controlled. The body consists of multiple sections that can move relative to each other, allowing the printer to navigate through crevices without requiring complete dismantling of the part being repaired.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The 3D printer employs dynamic, movable components including an extendable body with adjustable length, movable adhesion devices that can engage and disengage from surfaces, and a flexible structure that can conform to irregular geometries. This dynamic design enables the printer to access confined spaces and perform repairs in situ without requiring part dismantling or replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional 3D printer is used, then standard printing functions are available, but the printer cannot traverse narrow passages or conform to complex geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to narrow spacesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printer features a dynamically adjustable body length achieved through extendable sections with movable joints. This allows the device to adapt its size to fit within narrow passages while maintaining the capability to perform standard 3D printing functions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The 3D printer incorporates flexible structural elements and thin-film components that can bend and conform to complex geometries. This flexibility enables the device to navigate through irregular crevices and cracks while preserving its printing functionality, achieving high adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Length of moving object

If the 3D printer body is extended to reach deeper crevices, then access to narrow passages is improved, but adhesion to walls becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody lengthVSAvoidadhesion reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesion system is segmented into multiple independent adhesion devices distributed along the printer body. This allows different sections to engage with walls at different positions and orientations, maintaining reliable adhesion even when the body is extended to reach deeper crevices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesion devices are dynamically controllable, allowing selective engagement and disengagement of different adhesion points along the body. When the body is extended, the system can activate adhesion devices at appropriate locations to maintain wall attachment, ensuring adhesion reliability regardless of body length configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables effective repair of crevices without dismantling, reducing downtime and costs by allowing the 3D printer to conform to narrow spaces and deliver materials precisely.

Implementation Method 1

capable of elongate and contract using elastic materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

capable of elongate and contract using elastic materials, pneumatic bladders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatics: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

capable of elongate and contract using elastic materials, pneumatic bladders, or magnetic coils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic expansion and contraction: Magnetostriction

Implementation Method 4

equipped with adhesion devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20240036548A13D printing in a confined space

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A 3D printing system comprising, an extendable body, a material delivery system, a first wall adhesion device, and a second wall adhesion device.