Pressurized Gas Cleaning Assembly for 3D-Printed Internal Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning cavities and channels in 3D printed objects filled with unconsolidated powdered build-up material are complex and inefficient, often requiring multiple components and connections, which complicates the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A modular cleaning assembly comprising a pressurized gas tank, supply connection, and outlet, integrated into a unified module with a valve for controlled gas flow, allowing direct application to cavities and channels without additional hoses or nozzles, and featuring adjustable pressure and controlled gas flow modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile arm with nozzle and hose is used for cleaning cavities, then cleaning capability is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressurized gas tank, valve, and outlet into a single integrated cleaning unit. This merging of previously separate components (tank, hose, nozzle, valve) into one modular assembly directly reduces assembly complexity while maintaining full cleaning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning unit is designed as a universal module that can be applied to various cavities and channels in different additively manufactured objects. The standardized design with adjustable pressure and flow control makes it adaptable to multiple cleaning scenarios without requiring different equipment configurations.
2Ease of operation
If multiple connections (nozzle to mobile arm, hose to gas source) are required, then cleaning function is achieved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the gas tank, valve, and outlet into one self-contained unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate connections between multiple components. The cleaning unit connects as a single module to the gas source, reducing connection complexity from multiple separate joints to one unified connection point.
3Productivity
If pressurized gas flow is applied directly to cavities, then cleaning efficiency improves, but control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is integrated into the cleaning unit before the gas reaches the outlet, allowing pressure and flow control to be established in advance. This preliminary control of gas parameters before application to the cavity enables both high cleaning efficiency and precise flow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve system allows for controlled adjustment of gas flow parameters. By incorporating control mechanisms that can regulate pressure and flow rate, the system achieves precise control while maintaining effective cleaning performance through adjustable settings.
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
Facilitates easy handling and efficient cleaning of 3D printed objects by enabling precise control of gas flow, reducing operational complexity and increasing reliability, while effectively removing unconsolidated powder from cavities and channels.
Implementation Method 1
pressurized gas cleaning of cavities or channels of objects produced in an additive process from powdered build-up material of unsolidified build-up material by means of a pressurized gas flow
Implementation Method 2
cleaning of the cavity or channel by means of the pressurized gas flow exiting from the pressurized gas outlet and entering the cavity or channel
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning assembly (1), configured and designed for the pressurized gas cleaning of cavities or channels (3) of objects (2) produced in an additive process from powdered build-up material, of unsolidified build-up material by means of a pressurized gas flow, comprising at least: a pressurized gas tank (7), configured and designed for storing pressurized gas, and a pressurized gas supply connection (9), configured and designed to be detachably connected to a pressurized gas source (14) in order to supply the pressurized gas tank with pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source (14), and a pressurized gas outlet (10), configured and designed to direct or introduce the pressurized gas from the pressurized gas tank (7) as a pressurized gas flow directly into the cavity or channel (3) of the object (2), or into a connection (22) of the object (2).which is connected to the cavity or channel (3) of the object (2) in a flow-conducting manner, at least one valve (8) arranged between the pressurized gas tank (7) and the pressurized gas outlet (10), designed and configured to control the pressurized gas flow, wherein the valve (8) has at least one open position allowing maximum pressurized gas flow and one closed position preventing the flow of pressurized gas.