Magnetic Fastener for Stereolithography Build Platform

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Solution Overview

Problem

The reattachment of the build surface in stereolithographic 3D printing is often imprecise and fiddly, which can impact the quality of the subsequently fabricated object.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a magnetic fastener that is electrically switchable between an unfastened and fastened state, allowing for precise and reliable attachment and detachment of the build platform to the positioner, along with a processor controlling the actinic light source, positioner, and magnetic fastener.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manually operable mechanical fastener is used for attachment and detachment of the build surface, then the build surface can be removed and reattached, but the reattachment is imprecise and fiddly which impacts the quality of the subsequently fabricated object

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidprecision of build surface reattachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manually operable mechanical fastener with a magnetic fastener system. The magnetic fastener uses magnetic attraction forces to automatically hold the build surface in the correct position, eliminating the need for manual mechanical fastening operations. This substitution provides both ease of operation (simple attachment/detachment) and high precision (magnetic alignment ensures accurate reattachment position).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the fastening mechanism from mechanical (requiring manual manipulation of fasteners) to magnetic (using magnetic field strength as the controlling parameter). The magnetic fastener can be electrically switched between unfastened and fastened states, allowing precise control of the magnetic force to achieve both easy operation and precise positioning of the build surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of repair

If the build surface is removably attached to facilitate removal and cleaning, then maintenance is easier, but reattachment may be imprecise and fiddly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of build surface removal and cleaningVSAvoidprecision of build surface reattachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic fastener system replaces complex mechanical fastening mechanisms with a simple magnetic attraction system. This allows the build surface to be easily removed for cleaning while ensuring precise reattachment through magnetic alignment, eliminating the fiddly manual operations previously required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic fastener system provides self-aligning functionality, where the magnetic field automatically guides the build surface to the correct position during reattachment. This self-service alignment feature eliminates the need for precise manual positioning and ensures consistent, high-precision reattachment after cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a magnetic fastener is used for releasable fastening of the build platform, then secure and repeatable attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of build platform attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of magnetic fastener system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a magnetic fastening system. While this introduces magnetic components, it eliminates the need for mechanical fasteners, springs, latches, and alignment features, resulting in an overall simpler system that provides more reliable and repeatable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic fastener system serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment, ensures precise alignment, enables easy detachment, and allows for repeatable reattachment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanical components, reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 magnetic fastener ensures secure and repeatable attachment of the build platform, preventing unwanted separation and improving the quality and precision of the fabricated objects, while also facilitating quicker installation and removal of the build platform.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic fastener switchable between an unfastened state, and a fastened state, and configured for releasable fastening of the build platform to the positioner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

Each solid layer is formed by polymerisation of a material in the form of photohardenable liquid or resin, which hardens the photohardenable liquid. Polymerisation is initiated by exposing the photohardenable liquid to an actinic light.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation