Integrated Scanner and Additive Manufacturing Device for Automated Object Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing and three-dimensional scanning processes are cumbersome, requiring expensive equipment and human operation, leading to opportunities for input errors and a need for automation and simplification for seamless object creation or duplication.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrate a scanner assembly and manufacturing device within a controlled environment, using additive and subtractive manufacturing processes to evaluate and replicate objects, with a processor determining whether to repair or replicate, and providing options for customization and quality inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive scanning equipment is used to scan objects, then scanning precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scanning assembly and additive manufacturing device into a single integrated device. The scanning assembly includes a camera and light source that work together to capture 3D images of objects, which are then processed to create STL files for manufacturing. This integration eliminates the need for separate expensive scanning equipment and manual data transfer processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic evaluation of scanned objects to determine whether to repair or replicate them. The processor automatically generates part creation files from scanned data without requiring manual intervention for error correction or support structure addition, making the system self-sufficient in the data processing workflow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation is used to operate scanning equipment and convert scanned data to part creation files, then flexibility is improved, but productivity decreases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically evaluates scanned objects, determines whether to repair or replicate them, and generates part creation files without manual intervention. The processor handles error correction, support structure addition, and manufacturing file generation automatically, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic evaluation of scanned objects with feedback mechanisms that determine the appropriate action (repair or replicate). The system provides user interface feedback to confirm automated decisions and allows user input to modify automated processes, combining automation with flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual conversion of scanned data to part creation files is performed, then customization is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor automatically converts scanned data to part creation files by evaluating the scanned object and generating the necessary manufacturing files. This automatic conversion eliminates the time-consuming manual process of error correction and support structure addition while maintaining customization options through user interface feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of scanned objects to determine the appropriate manufacturing approach before actual manufacturing begins. This preliminary automatic processing reduces the time required during the actual manufacturing phase by pre-processing the data and preparing part creation files in advance.
4Productivity
If automated processing is implemented to evaluate scanned objects and determine repair or replication, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated evaluation system is integrated into the existing scanning and manufacturing device. The processor uses the already-captured scanned data to automatically evaluate objects and determine whether to repair or replicate them, combining multiple functions into a single system without requiring entirely separate automated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions including scanning, evaluation, repair determination, replication determination, and manufacturing file generation within a single system. This multi-functionality increases productivity by eliminating the need for separate automated systems while managing complexity through integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a manufacturing device to evaluate an object to determine whether to at least one of repair and replicate the object wherein to repair further comprises at least one of a subtractive process and an additive manufacturing process applied to the object and to replicate further comprises an additive manufacturing process applied to create a second object. Another system and a method are also disclosed.