Hybrid Tool Holder Interfaces for Flexible Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing technologies, such as machining and abrasive processing, are inflexible and require excessive material, whereas additive manufacturing offers advantages like flexibility and reduced material usage, but they lack efficient tool management and interchangeability.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a work holder and manipulator for variable positioning, along with rest holders and control interfaces for tool attachment and electrical connection, allowing for automatic tool change, precise positioning, and centralized control of tools, eliminating the need for permanent connections like flexible lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional machining and abrasive processing are used, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but material waste is excessive and flexibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from subtractive manufacturing (machining) to additive manufacturing (3D printing), fundamentally changing the manufacturing parameter from material removal to material deposition. This resolves the contradiction by achieving both reduced material waste and improved flexibility through digital model-driven additive processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple manufacturing functions (3D printing, machining, abrasive processing) into a single hybrid system. The work holder can accommodate different tools for different operations, enabling the system to adapt between additive and subtractive manufacturing based on requirements, thus achieving both material efficiency and flexibility
2Ease of operation
If tools are permanently connected via flexible lines, then continuous supply is ensured, but tool interchangeability is limited and operation is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool supply system into discrete modular units. Each tool has its own independent connection interface with the control unit, eliminating the need for permanent flexible connections. This modular segmentation enables quick tool changes while maintaining electrical and functional connectivity through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized connector interface as an intermediary between tools and the control unit. This intermediary component enables both continuous supply during operation and easy tool interchangeability, resolving the contradiction by providing a universal interface that maintains functionality while enabling flexibility
3Productivity
If multiple tools are held ready, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal work holder design that can accommodate multiple different tool types through standardized interfaces. This multi-functional work holder allows the system to hold multiple tools ready for use without requiring separate complex positioning systems for each tool, thus increasing productivity while controlling complexity through standardization
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing and/or processing of objects. Tools can be attached both to a work holder and to one or more rest holders, and can therein be connected with control interfaces for electrical connection to at least one respective control unit. The disclosure relates further to a corresponding method.