Laser 3D Printing Light Spot Orthopedic Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

In laser 3D printing, the inconsistency of the focused light spot within the scanning plane affects the quality of the printed products, leading to issues like holes, over-burning, and spheroidization, which are not adequately addressed by prior technologies.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that measures the projection characteristics of each spot within the scanning plane to set compensation quantities for a light spot orthodontic device, ensuring consistent light spot sizes, combined with dynamic matching of the orthodontic device and scanning device, and controlled laser pulse width for sintering and polishing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If laser beam scans for large format 3D printing, then the printing area is increased, but the size of the focused light spot becomes inconsistent within the scanning plane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting areaVSAvoidlight spot size consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the optical system adjustable through a light spot orthodontic device that can dynamically modify the light spot shape and size. The device includes movable components that can be adjusted in real-time during the scanning process to compensate for distortions, transforming a static optical system into a dynamic one that adapts to maintain consistent light spot dimensions across the entire scanning plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the shape and size parameters of the light spot through the orthodontic device. By adjusting the optical parameters (such as focal length, beam diameter, and convergence angle) of the cylindrical lenses and imaging system, the system compensates for the non-uniform light spot distribution caused by large format scanning, ensuring consistent printing quality across the expanded area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If conventional laser sintering is used, then the process is simple, but defects like holes, over-burning and spheroidization occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidprinting quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-configuring the light spot orthodontic device compensation parameters based on the scanning pattern and optical system characteristics. Before actual printing begins, the system performs measurement and characterization of the light spot distribution, then sets up the compensation quantities in advance. This preliminary preparation enables the system to counteract potential defects before they occur during the sintering process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by measuring the projection characteristics of each spot within the scanning plane to obtain deformation quantities, then using this measurement data to set compensation quantities for the light spot orthodontic device. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor and adjust the light spot characteristics, correcting deviations that would otherwise lead to printing defects like holes, over-burning, and spheroidization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If laser pulse width is not controlled, then the sintering process is fast, but density is reduced due to over-burning and spheroidization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesintering speedVSAvoidcomponent density
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed laser sintering instead of continuous laser irradiation. The laser operates in periodic pulses with controlled duration and intervals, allowing the material to be heated and sintered in discrete steps. This periodic action prevents excessive heat accumulation that would cause over-burning and spheroidization, while maintaining high productivity through optimized pulse frequency and duty cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the laser pulse width parameter during the sintering process. By controlling and varying the pulse duration, the system optimizes the energy input to achieve complete sintering without excessive melting. The pulse width is adjusted based on material properties, layer thickness, and position within the scanning plane, ensuring consistent density while maintaining fast processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach ensures consistent light spot sizes, improves printing quality by reducing defects like holes and over-burning, and increases the density of the printed components.

Implementation Method 1

Laser sintering technology adopts the principle that powder material is sintered under laser irradiation and is formed layer-by-layer under control of a computer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser sintering: Laser

Implementation Method 2

performing laser-induced shock wave impact to a 3D sintered component by using a short pulse width laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser-induced shock wave impact: Shock Wave

Data Source

PatentUS11097470B2Laser 3D printing method and system thereof with orthopedic function
Publication Date: 2021.08.24 INNO LASER TECH CORP LTD
  • US11097470B2 patent drawing
  • US11097470B2 patent drawing
  • US11097470B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A laser 3D printing method with orthopedic function, comprising the following steps: step one, measuring a projection characteristic of each spot within a scanning plane, to obtain a deformation quantity of a focused light spot at the each spot within the scanning plane before rectifying; step two, setting compensation quantities of the each spot within the scanning plane of a light spot orthopedic device according to the measuring result of the step one, so that the size of the focused light spot at the each spot within the scanning plane is consistent; step three, turning on the laser, and dynamically matching the light spot orthopedic device and a scanning device to perform the laser 3D printing. The laser 3D printing method and system thereof with orthopedic function could ensure the size of the focused light spot is consistent within the scanning plane, thereby ensuring the quality of 3D printing.