Heated Platform Carrier for Rigid, Exchangeable Build Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing processes induce stress in workpieces due to thermal gradients, and existing solutions, such as integrating heating elements into the machine table, can interfere with clamping forces and are not easily exchangeable.
Innovation Solution
An exchangeable platform carrier with integrated heating elements and rigid design, allowing for homogenous thermal distribution and secure clamping, which can be mounted on various machines for both additive and post-processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating elements are integrated into the machine table, then thermal gradient is reduced, but clamping force is interfered with and exchangeability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into a separate, exchangeable platform carrier that can be independently removed and replaced. This separates the heating function from the fixed machine table structure, allowing the platform carrier to be exchanged between different machines while maintaining the heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate platform carrier is introduced between the machine table and the build plate. This intermediary component integrates both the clamping interface and heating elements, allowing it to mediate between the machine table's clamping requirements and the build plate's heating requirements without interference between the two functions.
2Temperature
If heating elements are integrated into the machine table, then thermal gradient is reduced, but clamping force is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The platform carrier is divided into functional zones: a clamping interface area that interfaces with the machine table's clamping system, and a heating element area that applies thermal energy. This segmentation allows clamping forces to be applied at the interface without interfering with the heating elements' operation and thermal distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform carrier acts as an intermediary that receives clamping forces from the machine table through its interface while simultaneously distributing thermal energy through integrated heating elements. This mediation allows both clamping and heating functions to operate independently without mutual interference.
3Stability of the object's composition
If platform carrier is made rigid for mechanical stability, then deformation is reduced, but thermal distribution homogeneity is challenged
Solution Approach 1:
The platform carrier employs local quality by using a rigid overall structure for mechanical stability while incorporating localized heating zones with varying thermal output. Different regions of the platform carrier can have different heating intensities to compensate for thermal losses and achieve uniform temperature distribution across the build plate surface.
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
Enhances mechanical stability, reduces deformation, and improves production efficiency by enabling easy exchange and pre-heating outside the machine, while maintaining precise clamping and automation.
Implementation Method 1
heating elements are integrated into the platform carrier... at least one heating element is integrated in the platform carrier. This means, the heating element is a part of the exchangeable rigid platform carrier... The homogenous heating of the entire platform carrier results in a homogenous heating of the build plate
Implementation Method 2
The fixing module comprises a fixing screw for connecting the build plate and an elastic element arranged around the fixing screw for pre-tensioning the build plate
Implementation Method 3
The additive manufacturing process induces stress inside the workpieces due to its thermal nature, e.g. temperature gradient
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Platform carrier (10, 10a) mountable on a machine table of an additive manufacturing machine. The platform carrier is exchangeable and has a rigid construction and at least one heating element (16) integrated therein.