Mobile Additive Manufacturing Arrays for Large 3D Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing technologies are limited by the size of the workspace and the ability of equipment to move in multiple dimensions, restricting the production of large and complex three-dimensional structures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a mobile additive manufacturing apparatus, called Addibot, which combines a drive system for movement, a navigation system for location determination, a controller for algorithmic processing, and an additive manufacturing system for depositing materials based on digital models, allowing for independent and automated operation without physical tethers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional additive manufacturing equipment is used with fixed workspaces, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the size and complexity of producible structures are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The additive manufacturing system is divided into multiple independent robotic manipulators, each capable of material deposition. These segmented units can operate independently or cooperatively, allowing the system to scale in complexity while maintaining manageable individual components. Each manipulator handles a portion of the overall manufacturing task, enabling production of large-scale structures through coordinated action of multiple simpler units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar manufacturing to three-dimensional spatial manufacturing by deploying robotic manipulators that move freely in three-dimensional space. This dimensional expansion allows structures to be built upward and outward simultaneously, dramatically increasing the volume and complexity of producible objects beyond the constraints of fixed workspaces.
2Productivity
If multiple extrusion heads are used to form complex three-dimensional shapes, then manufacturing capability increases, but the dimensions of the workspace remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces stationary multiple extrusion heads with dynamic robotic manipulators that can move throughout a large three-dimensional workspace. These manipulators dynamically reposition themselves to access different locations and angles, effectively expanding the productive workspace area while maintaining the capability to form complex three-dimensional shapes through coordinated motion and material deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
Each robotic manipulator is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple functions: material deposition, positioning, and adaptive orientation. This multi-functionality allows a single manipulator to replace multiple specialized extrusion heads, as it can be programmed to perform different manufacturing tasks at different locations within the expanded workspace, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing the number of physical components.
3Volume of moving object
If additive manufacturing equipment is made mobile with drive and navigation systems, then workspace limitations are overcome, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile additive manufacturing system incorporates autonomous navigation capabilities through onboard sensors and control systems that enable the manipulators to independently determine their position and orient themselves correctly. This self-service navigation reduces the need for external guidance infrastructure and minimizes power consumption by using efficient sensor-based localization and path planning algorithms rather than more energy-intensive active guidance systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides various aspects for mobile and automated processing utilizing additive manufacturing and the methods for their utilization and for making material dispensing element arrays for use of the additive manufacturing device.