3D Printed Object Cooling Container with Guillotine Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lengthy cooling process of 3D printed objects, typically taking 30 to 35 hours, occupies the printer and leads to inefficiencies in the printing cycle, as the printer is unavailable for subsequent jobs during this time.
Innovation Solution
A container system is introduced that allows for separate cooling and unpacking of printed objects, enabling the trolley to be reused for subsequent print jobs while the objects cool and unpack independently, utilizing a guillotine member for containment and a vacuum source for efficient cooling and material recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the 3D printed object is left to cool in the printer, then the cooling process is simple and straightforward, but the printer is occupied and unavailable for subsequent jobs during the 30-35 hour cooling period
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling process is segmented from the printing process. The container is divided into a removable lid and a base that remains in the printer. After printing, the lid is removed and the object is transferred to an external cooling area, allowing the printer to be reused while the object cools independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is extracted from the printer system. By removing the object from the printer's build chamber and placing it in an external container with the lid removed, the cooling process occurs outside the printer, freeing the printer for subsequent jobs while maintaining the cooling function.
2Reliability
If the container lid is closed during cooling, then the cooling environment is controlled and contained, but the object cannot be unpacked and the build material cannot be recovered
Solution Approach 1:
The lid configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The lid can be in a closed position during cooling to maintain environmental control, then removed or opened to allow unpacking and material recovery. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining controlled cooling and enabling subsequent access.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling process is completed with the lid closed to establish a controlled environment first. Only after cooling is complete does the lid get removed to enable unpacking. This preliminary establishment of controlled conditions followed by access resolves the timing conflict between the two requirements.
3Productivity
If the trolley is used for subsequent print jobs during the cooling period, then printing throughput is improved, but the object cooling and unpacking processes are separated from the trolley operation
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley operation is segmented into distinct phases: the base remains in the printer for subsequent jobs while the lid with the object is cooled externally. This segmentation allows parallel operation of printing and cooling processes, improving throughput despite the apparent complexity of managing separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The container lid serves multiple functions: it acts as a cooling chamber cover during the cooling phase, then becomes a transport container during the unpacking phase, and can be reused for subsequent print jobs. This multi-functionality justifies the separated process by demonstrating the versatility of the components.
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 printing throughput by allowing the trolley to be used for new jobs while objects cool and unpack, reducing waste collection and improving overall efficiency by separating the cooling and unpacking processes from the trolley's operation.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source is connected to the container via the connector. The vacuum source is controlled so as to cool down the manufactured object within the container
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum source is controlled so as to cool down the manufactured object within the container and control the flow of air through the container
Data Source
AI summary
A container (140) for receiving a manufactured object (160) from a 3D printer is disclosed. A method for cooling and unpacking 3D printed objects using that container. (140) is also disclosed. The container has a wall forming the sides of the container, a top extending to the sides of the container, a connector (142) for connection to a vacuum source and a guillotine member (150). The lower portion of the container has support members to slidably receive the guillotine member (150) to form a base of the container. The guillotine member is selectively configurable between an apertured configuration having a plurality of through holes (152) to allow passage of air and/or build material, and a closed configuration in which the through holes are closed so as to prevent build material from falling out of the container.