Decentralized Additive Manufacturing Device Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing processes, such as stereolithography, require extensive human involvement in design and pre-processing, which is time-consuming and requires specialized knowledge, and post-processing steps are also labor-intensive, delaying the delivery of customized products like dental crowns and bridges.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized additive manufacturing method with centralized pre-processing and integrated automated post-processing, where clinicians upload 3D scan data for remote file preparation and automated printing, followed by automated cleaning and curing within a compact device, minimizing human intervention and enabling fast turnaround times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If decentralized additive manufacturing with centralized pre-processing is implemented, then the need for extensive training and knowledge is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex pre-processing functions (CAD, CAM, support generation, slicing) from the local device and centralizes them in a remote server. This allows the local device to focus only on execution, significantly reducing the training needed while the server handles the computational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated post-processing system that acts as a bridge between printing and final product delivery. This intermediary handles washing, curing, and finishing operations, reducing the need for skilled operators while managing the overall process complexity
2Productivity
If automated post-processing is integrated into the additive manufacturing device, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate functions (printing, washing, curing, finishing) into a single integrated device. This consolidation improves productivity by eliminating transfer times and manual handling, while the automated sequencing manages the inherent complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary automated preparations including support structure generation, slicing, and process parameter optimization before printing begins. This preliminary automation reduces active monitoring needs and improves overall productivity while managing complexity through pre-computation
3Manufacturing precision
If centralized pre-processing is used for decentralized manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the loss of time in data transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous data flow and automated workflow from scanning through pre-processing to printing. The system maintains continuous operation with minimal idle time, and the automated post-processing ensures continuous useful action from printing completion to final product readiness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physical model making, manual measurement, manual post-processing) with digital and automated systems. This substitution improves precision while the automation reduces time losses associated with manual operations and transfers
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 reduces the need for extensive training and knowledge, streamlines the workflow, and enables same-day delivery of customized products by automating the entire process from scanning to finalization, improving efficiency and reducing the burden on clinicians.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source arranged to direct radiation for the printing of said article; a build surface upon which the article is arranged to be printed
Implementation Method 2
at least one cleaning station for cleaning the printed article
Implementation Method 3
a curing station arranged to at least partially complete the curing of the printed article
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising; a controller arranged to receive data for an article to print; a sub-device comprising a resin source arranged to provide material for printing the article; a radiation source arranged to direct radiation for the printing of said article; a plurality of stations, said stations including a printing tank in which the article is printed, at least one cleaning station for cleaning the printed article and a curing station arranged to at least partially complete the curing of the printed article; a build surface upon which the article is arranged to be printed; wherein controller is arranged to move the build surface and the plurality of stations relative to each other.