Layered 3D Printed Elastic Structure for Controlled Flexibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printed structures are often made from stiff materials, making them inflexible and challenging to achieve controlled flexibility and counterforce in specific areas, especially when individualization is required, as traditional flexible materials like PU foam reduce flexibility with increased structural strength and weight.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printed structure with alternating layers of primary structural layers and flexible layers, where the structural layers have higher rigidity and the flexible layers have lower rigidity, allowing the structure to deform and return to its original shape when force is applied, enabling predictable and controlled deformation and counterforce maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stiff materials are used for 3D printed structures, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into alternating structural layers and flexible layers, where structural layers provide integrity and flexible layers provide adaptability. Each layer performs its specific function, resolving the contradiction between overall strength and localized flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines materials with different mechanical properties (stiff structural material and flexible material) into a layered composite structure. This allows the structure to simultaneously exhibit both high strength and flexibility in different regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible materials are used to achieve compressibility, then flexibility is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into alternating structural layers and flexible layers, where structural layers provide integrity and flexible layers provide adaptability. Each layer performs its specific function, resolving the contradiction between overall strength and localized flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines materials with different mechanical properties (stiff structural material and flexible material) into a layered composite structure. This allows the structure to simultaneously exhibit both high strength and flexibility in different regions.
3Strength
If structural strength of flexible material is increased, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into alternating structural layers and flexible layers, where structural layers provide integrity and flexible layers provide adaptability. Each layer performs its specific function, resolving the contradiction between overall strength and localized flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the structure have different material properties: structural layers have high strength while flexible layers have high flexibility. This local differentiation allows the overall structure to achieve both integrity and flexibility without compromise.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flexible materials are used, then flexibility is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines materials with different mechanical properties (stiff structural material and flexible material) into a layered composite structure. This allows the structure to simultaneously exhibit both high strength and flexibility in different regions.
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 structure achieves a combination of structural integrity and flexibility, allowing it to absorb forces and maintain counterforce through controlled deformation, making it suitable for applications like shoe midsoles and shock absorption.
Implementation Method 1
A 3D printed structure of an elastic material having at least a first wall and a second wall configured to deform when a force is applied to the first wall and/or the second wall in a direction of a first axis and configured to return to its original form when the applied force is released
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D printed structure of an elastic material having a first wall and a second wall may be provided. In one implementation, the 3D printed structure may include a first layer having a first portion of a first wall part and a first portion of a second wall part. The first portion of the first wall part may include a primary structural layer and the first portion of the second wall part may include a first flexible layer. The 3D printed structure may also include a second layer having a second portion of the first wall part and a second portion of the second wall part. The second portion of the first wall part may include a second flexible layer. The primary structural layer and the first flexible layer may have a first rigidity and a second rigidity, respectively, the first rigidity being greater than the second rigidity.