Integrated Resin Vat and Reservoir Unit for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing devices, particularly stereolithography machines, face challenges in quickly and efficiently changing over between different printing materials, requiring complex handling and storage of resin vats and reservoirs, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially in dental applications where multiple materials are needed daily.
Innovation Solution
A material unit comprising a transparent resin vat connected to a holder for a reservoir, allowing for easy and quick changeover of printing materials, with features like a pivot joint for resin flow control, a fill level sensor, and a mixing device for conditioning the resin, enabling tool-free operation and automatic metering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the resin vat and reservoir are handled separately for material changeover, then the additive manufacturing device can be refilled during ongoing manufacturing, but the changeover process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the resin vat and reservoir into a single integrated material unit that can be handled as one assembly. The reservoir is positioned to directly communicate with the resin vat, allowing the entire material system to be installed or changed over as a single unit, thereby reducing changeover time and complexity while maintaining the ability to refill during manufacturing
2Productivity
If the resin vat and reservoir are handled separately, then refilling can occur during manufacturing, but handling effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the resin vat and reservoir into an integrated material unit, the system maintains continuous manufacturing capability while significantly reducing handling effort. The unified design allows operators to handle one component instead of two separate parts, simplifying the refilling process during ongoing manufacturing operations
3Reliability
If multiple printing materials are stored separately, then each material can be stored with proper UV protection and odor containment, but storage and retrieval becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is designed with universal features including integrated UV-protective walls and odor-containing seals that work for all printing materials. This multi-functional design allows different materials to be stored and handled using the same protective mechanisms, reducing storage system complexity while maintaining reliable UV protection and odor containment for each material type
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 rapid and efficient switching between different printing materials, reduces handling effort, and ensures UV-protected and odor-proof storage, enhancing the operational efficiency and convenience of additive manufacturing devices, especially in dental applications.
Implementation Method 1
The reservoir (5) is moved relative to the resin vat (2), preferably periodically, in order to mix and/or condition the resin (R)
Implementation Method 2
The resin vat comprises a base (3) which is transparent at least in sections... the resin (R) can be locally irradiated and thereby cured, by a radiation source (S) disposed underneath the base (3)
Data Source
AI summary
Material unit for an additive manufacturing device (AM) having a resin vat, wherein the resin vat comprises a base which is transparent at least in sections, wherein the resin vat is connected to a holder for a reservoir, and wherein the holder is configured such that resin (R) emerging from an outlet of a reservoir held by said holder can flow into the resin vat.