Modular 3D Printing Robots for Stable On-Site Large Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printers require a large work area and are difficult to move into harsh or inaccessible environments, limiting their application in construction and other challenging settings.
Innovation Solution
A modular printing system comprising movable robots connected by a connecting portion, with integrated 3D printing and material supply mechanisms, allowing for flexible movement and operation in various environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional 3D printer uses a fixed frame structure, then printing stability is improved, but mobility and adaptability to different environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is divided into separate functional modules: a printing unit, a support unit, and a material supply unit. Each module can operate independently and can be reconfigured or detached as needed, allowing the system to adapt to different environments while maintaining printing stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The support unit can be adjusted or removed, and the material supply unit can be relocated, allowing the printing system to adapt to various construction sites and environments while maintaining stability during the printing process.
2Productivity
If a conventional 3D printer uses a large work area, then printing capacity is improved, but mobility and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is segmented into a compact printing unit and separate support units. The printing unit contains the essential printing functionality and can be easily transported, while the support units provide additional functionality when needed at the construction site.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends functionality from a single large work area to multiple distributed units that can be deployed in different spatial configurations. This allows the system to achieve large printing capacity through coordination of multiple units rather than requiring a single large work area.
3Manufacturing precision
If a conventional 3D printer is designed for fixed location operation, then printing precision is improved, but ease of deployment to construction sites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the precision printing function into a dedicated printing unit that can be deployed to various locations. This modular design allows the printing unit to be transported to construction sites and set up where needed, maintaining printing precision while improving deployment ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The material supply unit is designed to be self-contained with its own material storage and delivery mechanisms. This allows the unit to be independently deployed to construction sites without requiring complex setup or external support infrastructure, improving deployment ease while maintaining printing precision.
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 the production of large structures in confined or difficult-to-reach areas by utilizing a compact setup that can be easily maneuvered, expanding the applicability of 3D printing to construction and similar environments.
Implementation Method 1
a storage member that stores the material, and a hose member connecting the storage member and the discharge member, and the storage member may extrude the material into the hose member and supply the material to the discharge member
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes a first robot being movable, a second robot located in any one side of the first robot in a leftward and rightward direction and being movable, a connecting portion connecting the first robot and the second robot, a printing portion connected to the connecting portion and that is configured to perform 3D printing, and a supply portion that supplies a material to the printing portion, the printing portion includes a discharge member connected to the supply portion and that discharges the material, an upward and downward movement member that moves the discharge member upward and downward, and a leftward and rightward movement member that moves the upward and downward movement member leftward and rightward, and any one of the first robot and the second robot is coupled to the supply portion.