Automated Cooling Time Tracking for 3D Printing Trolleys

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inefficient tracking and verification of cooling time for 3D printed parts lead to premature processing and reduced efficiency in 3D printing operations, as manual methods are prone to errors and inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

An automated system using a trolley with a battery-powered timer and processor to track and transmit cooling time to the powder supply/post-processing component, ensuring that parts are processed only after reaching a sufficient cooling threshold, thereby improving accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual tracking of cooling time is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of cooling time tracking deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling time tracking system complexityVSAvoidcooling time measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electronic timer system. The timer automatically records cooling time duration, eliminating human error in manual tracking while maintaining simple device architecture through the use of basic electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The timer system is self-operating, automatically starting when the build platform is lowered and stopping when the part is removed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operator intervention, ensuring consistent and accurate cooling time measurement without adding operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual tracking of cooling time is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity of 3D printing operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling time tracking system complexityVSAvoid3D printing operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The timer provides automatic feedback on cooling time status, allowing operators to make informed decisions about when parts are ready for post-processing. This feedback mechanism prevents premature processing and optimizes workflow timing, thereby improving overall productivity without complex systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The timer automatically starts tracking cooling time as soon as the build platform is lowered, performing the measurement action preliminarily and continuously without requiring operator attention. This ensures accurate timing is captured from the moment cooling begins, improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If cooling time is not verified, then processing speed is increased, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepost-processing speedVSAvoidpart quality after post-processing

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The timer prevents premature post-processing by providing advance warning when the cooling time threshold is not yet reached. This preliminary anti-action stops operators from processing parts too soon, ensuring manufacturing precision is maintained while allowing rapid processing once cooling is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS11407177B2Tracking cooling time for 3D printing trolley

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 PERIDOT PRINT LLC

AI summary

In example implementations, an apparatus includes an interface. The interface is to detect a connection to a 3D printer and a connection to a powder supply/post-processing component. The interface may be in communication with a processor. The processor may also be in communication with a timer. The timer is to begin tracking a cooling time when the interface is disconnected from the 3D printer and the processor is to transmit the cooling time to the powder supply/post-processing component when the interface detects the connection to the powder supply/post-processing component.