3D Fabrication Scheduling With Condition Change Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D printing technologies face efficiency issues due to the challenge of maintaining a fabrication-ready state before the scheduled start time, leading to potential disruptions and decreased productivity.

Innovation Solution

A fabricating apparatus and method that includes sensors to detect changes in operational conditions, a scheduling system to manage fabrication start times, and a controller to adjust the execution of fabrication based on permissibility settings, ensuring that the apparatus remains in an optimal state and preventing forced starts that could interfere with the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fabrication is controlled to suppress execution of succeeding fabrication that can disable the condition of the fabrication with the scheduled fabrication start time setting, then the fabrication enabled state is guaranteed, but the fabrication efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication enabled stateVSAvoidfabrication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by notifying the user in advance of the scheduled fabrication start time, allowing proactive preparation of the fabrication environment. This includes checking apparatus status, preparing materials, and ensuring all conditions are ready before the actual fabrication begins, thereby avoiding last-minute disruptions and maintaining high fabrication efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the fabrication apparatus status and comparing it against required conditions. When the status changes or conditions are not met, the system provides feedback to the user through notifications, enabling real-time adjustments and ensuring the fabrication enabled state is maintained without unnecessarily delaying subsequent fabrication tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the apparatus status is not checked before scheduled fabrication start time, then the fabrication can start immediately, but the fabrication may be disrupted due to unsuitable apparatus condition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication start timelinessVSAvoidfabrication process stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs status checks and environment verification as preliminary actions before the scheduled fabrication start time. This includes checking apparatus operational status, verifying material availability, and ensuring all fabrication conditions are suitable. By completing these checks in advance, the system ensures both timely fabrication start and process stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares cushioning measures in advance by notifying users of potential issues before fabrication begins. If status checks reveal unsuitable conditions, the system provides advance warning and allows for corrective actions to be taken before fabrication starts, thereby preventing disruptions during the actual fabrication process and maintaining both timeliness and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3547053B1Fabricating apparatus, fabricating method, and carrier medium
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3547053B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3547053B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3547053B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A fabricating apparatus (10) includes a receiving unit (80B), a detection unit (80D), and an output control unit (80C). The receiving unit (80B) receives designation of a scheduled fabrication start time of a fabrication object (31). The detection unit (80D) detects a change in a fabrication practicability condition of the fabricating apparatus (10). The output control unit (80C) outputs change information indicating an occurrence of a change in the fabrication practicability condition of the fabricating apparatus (10) when the change in the fabrication practicability condition has been detected after reception of the designation of the scheduled fabrication start time.