Light Irradiation Device Layout Flexibility in Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light irradiation devices for additive layer manufacturing apparatuses have limited flexibility in the layout of function units due to the need to avoid blocking the light beam, restricting the degree of freedom in design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The light irradiation device incorporates a light condensing unit and a function unit, where the function unit is positioned among or surrounded by the light beams, allowing for improved layout flexibility and functionality by using a third lens to condense the light beams and a branching unit to distribute them efficiently, enabling the function unit to be placed at the center or surrounded by the beams without obstructing the light path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the function unit is positioned in the conventional layout to avoid blocking the light beam, then the light path is clear, but the degree of freedom in the layout of the function unit is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning the function unit at the center and routing light beams around it in multiple directions. This vertical and radial dimensionality change allows the function unit to be placed in the center without blocking the light path, thereby increasing layout flexibility and degree of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The light beam path is segmented into multiple separate beams that are distributed around the function unit. Instead of a single blocked path, the light is divided into multiple segments that can be routed independently around the central function unit, allowing flexible placement while maintaining optical functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the function unit is placed at the center surrounded by light beams, then the degree of freedom in layout is improved, but the light beam distribution and condensation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light beams that are distributed around the function unit are merged and condensed into a single focused point using a lens. The patent combines the separate light paths into a unified focal point, simplifying the overall optical system despite the complex spatial arrangement around the function unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A lens is introduced as an intermediary element to manage the complex light beam distribution. The lens acts as a mediator that collects and condenses the multiple light beams passing around the function unit, transforming the complex distributed arrangement into a simple focused output.
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 configuration enhances the degree of freedom in the layout of the function unit, allowing for more efficient and accurate material deposition and molding with improved accuracy and reduced material spreading, while maintaining effective light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a light condensing unit (a third lens) that condenses a plurality of first light beams
Implementation Method 2
a device configured to irradiate jetted-out powdery material with a light beam and cause the material to melt
Data Source
AI summary
A light irradiation device according to an embodiment is for an additive layer manufacturing apparatus. The light irradiation device includes a light condensing unit and a function unit. The light condensing unit condenses a plurality of first light beams. At least a part of the function unit is positioned at a location among the plurality of first light beams or at a location surrounded by the plurality of first light beams.