Distributed Cloud Control for 3D Printer Job Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printers are limited by physical constraints such as size, production speed, and material versatility, as they operate independently and cannot produce complex objects using multiple materials or exceed the distance between the bed and nozzle.
Innovation Solution
A distributed cloud control system for 3D printers that remotely manages resources and jobs, allowing multiple printers to be connected via a network to share resources, divide complex models into manageable parts, and assemble them into a complete object through a networked system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single 3D printer is used to produce objects, then the device structure is simple and easy to operate, but the production speed is slow and the object size is limited by the distance between the bed and nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a complex 3D model into multiple sub-models that can be printed separately by individual 3D printers. Each sub-model corresponds to a portion of the final object that fits within the printing capabilities of a single printer, enabling parallel processing and faster overall production while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple 3D printers into a distributed cloud network that works together to produce a single object. The printers are coordinated through a control system that assigns sub-models to appropriate printers based on their capabilities, merging their individual outputs into a complete object through assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single 3D printer is used, then the device structure is simple, but the material versatility is limited and cannot produce complex objects using various types of materials
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed cloud system creates a universal printing platform where different 3D printers with various material capabilities are pooled together. The control system matches material requirements with printer capabilities, allowing the system as a whole to handle diverse materials (plastics, metals, ceramics, composites) even though individual printers have limited material versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the printing task based on material requirements, assigning different sub-models to printers that are best suited for the specific materials needed. This allows complex multi-material objects to be produced by distributing material-specific printing operations across multiple specialized printers
3Volume of moving object
If a single 3D printer is used, then the operation is simple, but the object size cannot exceed the distance between the bed and nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments large-scale objects into smaller sub-models that fit within the printing volume of individual 3D printers. Each sub-model is designed to be produced by a single printer, and the sub-models are later assembled to form the complete large-scale object, effectively removing the size limitation of individual printers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-printer three-dimensional printing to multi-printer distributed printing, adding a spatial dimension to the printing system. By distributing printers across different locations and coordinating their operations, the system can produce objects larger than any single printer's build volume
4Productivity
If a single 3D printer is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the production time takes tens of hours due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed cloud system incorporates feedback mechanisms where printers report their status, progress, and completion to the central control system. The control system monitors printing jobs, tracks material usage, and coordinates assembly operations based on real-time feedback from individual printers, enabling automated management of complex multi-printer operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where users can remotely submit printing jobs, monitor progress, and receive completed objects without direct intervention. The distributed cloud automatically manages job distribution, printer coordination, and assembly operations, reducing the operational complexity despite the increased system capability
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus for controlling a distributed cloud for three-dimensional (3D) printers, the apparatus including a user matcher configured to transmit and receive data to/from a user terminal, a 3D model receiver configured to receive a 3D model selected by the user terminal from a 3D model distribution platform server, a 3D printer manager configured to manage a plurality of 3D printers connected to a distributed cloud for 3D printers, a 3D part model generator configured to divide the 3D model into 3D part models, each of which is producible by a single 3D printer, on the basis of property information of the 3D model and specification information of the 3D printers collected by the 3D printer manager, and a 3D part model transmitter configured to transmit the 3D part models to the plurality of 3D printers on the basis of the property information of the 3D model and the specification information of the 3D printers collected by the 3D printer manager.