Modular 3D Printing System with Direct Housing Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for layerwise production of three-dimensional objects lack flexibility in adapting to varying materials and operating conditions, such as production temperature and gas purity, limiting their versatility in production facilities.

Innovation Solution

A modular apparatus system where workstations can be combined and interchanged flexibly, with direct coupling of housings and compatible interfaces for mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic connections, allowing for adaptable configurations to accommodate different production requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed configuration of apparatuses is used for layerwise production, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different materials and operating conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different materials and operating conditionsVSAvoidconfiguration complexity of apparatuses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into multiple independent modules (production module, unpacking module, preheating module, sintering module, cooling module) that can be independently configured and combined. Each module has standardized interfaces allowing flexible arrangement without requiring complex integrated design, thus achieving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity at the module level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modules are designed with universal standardized interfaces for mechanical coupling, electrical connections, and pneumatic/hydraulic connections. This universality allows the same module types to be used in different configurations and arrangements, enabling the system to adapt to various production requirements without designing specialized components for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If modules are coupled with direct housing connection, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the ease of reconfiguration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of workstation arrangementVSAvoidinterface complexity for mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection functions (mechanical coupling, electrical connections, pneumatic/hydraulic connections) are merged into integrated connection interfaces at the housing level. This allows all connections to be established simultaneously through standardized interface couplings, simplifying the reconfiguration process while maintaining direct housing connection for structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If standardized interfaces are provided for all connections, then the ease of reconfiguration is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reconfiguring workstation arrangementsVSAvoidnumber of connection interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal standardized interface design is implemented that handles mechanical coupling, electrical connections, and pneumatic/hydraulic connections through integrated couplings. This universal interface reduces the variety of different connection types needed, making reconfiguration easier while the modular architecture prevents overall system complexity from increasing significantly.

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

Enables flexible adaptation to diverse production conditions by allowing interchangeable and combinable workstations, improving the efficiency and versatility of the layerwise production process for three-dimensional objects.

Implementation Method 1

A method for the layerwise production of a three-dimensional object, which is known by the name 'selective laser sintering'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective Laser Sintering: Selective Laser Sintering

Implementation Method 2

an illumination device, in particular a laser, for solidifying the pulverulent building material in a selective fashion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS10583482B2Device for producing a three-dimensional object in layers

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPTICAL SYST

AI summary

A modular system (1) for producing a three-dimensional object (2) by layerwise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material (13) contains a first module (30, 34-36; 40, 41) suitable for carrying out a first process used for the production of the three-dimensional object (2), and at least a second and a third module (30, 34-36; 40,41) suitable for carrying out a further process used for the production of the three-dimensional object (2). The first to third modules (30, 34-36; 40, 41) are configured so that the second or the third module, or both, can selectively and replaceably be connected to the first module in such a way that their housings are coupled to one another directly.