Hinged Clamp Securing Membrane Assembly to Tank Sidewall
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D printing systems face challenges such as resin leakage from the tank and the cumbersome installation of liquid crystal display (LCD) masks, which involve cables or ribbons, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing system with a radiation-transparent flexible membrane forming the tank bottom, a spill tray to contain leaked resin, and a hinged clamp mechanism for securing the membrane assembly to the tank sidewall, along with a cable-free electrical connection system using a rigid guide portion and electrical connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid tank bottom is used, then structural strength is improved, but resin leakage cannot be contained and radiation transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible radiation-transparent membrane instead of a rigid tank bottom. This membrane is stretched over a frame and secured with clamps to maintain structural integrity while allowing resin leakage to be contained and radiation to pass through to the build area below.
2Reliability
If LCD mask is installed with cables or ribbons, then electrical connection is achieved, but installation becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cables or ribbons from the LCD mask installation and replaces them with a cable-free electrical connection system. The mask assembly includes electrical connectors that mate with corresponding connectors in the light source housing, eliminating the need for separate cable routing and connection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical attachment function of the mask assembly. The electrical connectors are integrated into the mask assembly structure, so that installing the mask assembly simultaneously establishes both mechanical support and electrical connection, eliminating separate cable connection operations.
3Ease of operation
If membrane assembly is not secured to tank sidewall, then installation is simplified, but resin leakage occurs from the tank bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hinged clamps that can be dynamically adjusted to secure the membrane assembly to the tank sidewall. The clamps are positioned at multiple locations along the tank sidewall to provide distributed securing points, preventing resin leakage while allowing for easy installation and removal by simply opening the hinged clamps.
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
The system effectively prevents resin leakage by containing it within a spill tray and simplifies the installation and removal of the mask assembly through automatic electrical connections, reducing manual manipulation of cables and ribbons, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The proximal end of the arm may be attached to the angled member by a hinge
Implementation Method 2
a bottom of the tank is formed by a radiation-transparent flexible membrane
Implementation Method 3
a light source configured to project radiation towards the bottom of the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D printing system may include a tank in which a bottom of the tank is formed by a flexible membrane. The flexible membrane may be stretched within a frame, which together with the flexible membrane may form a membrane assembly that is secured to the tank sidewall by one or more hinged clamps. Each of the hinged clamps may comprise an arm and an angled member. The distal end of the arm may comprise a hooked attachment member that is complementary in shape to a lip of the frame of the membrane assembly. The proximal end of the arm may be attached to the angled member by a hinge. The angled member may be attached to the tank sidewall by another hinge. The angled member and the arm may be positioned to clamp the membrane assembly to the tank sidewall, or release the membrane assembly from the tank sidewall.