Modular Additive Manufacturing System with Recycler
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional manufacturing processes are time-intensive and often require large volumes of goods to be produced in centralized facilities, limiting customization and making it impractical to establish manufacturing facilities in remote or space-based locations, where a wide variety of goods are not readily available.
Innovation Solution
A modular manufacturing system that includes additive manufacturing devices and manipulators to create objects on-site or near-site using prefabricated components and raw materials, enabling the production of multi-component, multi-material goods, which can be deployed in remote areas, space, or urban environments, and includes a recycler to convert waste into reusable feedstock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional multi-location manufacturing processes are used, then manufacturing precision and quality control are improved, but production time and supply chain complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manufacturing devices (additive manufacturing device, manipulator, recycler) into a single integrated modular assembly that can produce complete multi-component goods in one location, eliminating the need for multi-location traditional manufacturing processes while maintaining quality through computer-controlled precision operations
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing system is divided into modular functional components (additive manufacturing device, manipulator, recycler) that can work together in an integrated assembly, allowing flexible configuration and on-site production without requiring complex supply chains across multiple facilities
2Productivity
If centralized manufacturing facilities are used to produce large volumes of goods, then economies of scale are achieved, but customization capability and on-site production flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The additive manufacturing device enables dynamic production where manufacturing parameters, materials, and designs can be changed on-demand through computer control, allowing the system to produce customized goods in small batches or single units without sacrificing productivity or requiring reconfiguration of physical facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The modular manufacturing assembly is designed to produce a wide variety of different goods types through computer-controlled operations and material selection, enabling a single facility to fulfill multiple production demands that traditionally required specialized facilities for each product type
3Adaptability or versatility
If new manufacturing facilities are built in remote locations or space, then on-site production capability is improved, but cost and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing system is segmented into compact modular functional units (additive manufacturing device, manipulator, recycler) that can be transported and deployed as an integrated assembly in remote locations or space, reducing the complexity of establishing traditional large-scale facilities while maintaining on-site production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The recycler component enables the system to recycle waste materials generated during production back into reusable feedstock, creating a self-sustaining manufacturing loop that reduces dependency on external supply chains and minimizes the need for complex logistical support in remote or space-based deployments
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 solution allows for rapid, on-demand production of customized goods in various locations, reducing logistical costs and waste, and enabling the creation of complex products in space or remote areas with a reduced footprint, while also recycling materials to minimize environmental impact and optimize resource utilization.
Implementation Method 1
an additive manufacturing device to perform at least one additive manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
A system including an additive manufacturing device to perform at least one additive manufacturing process and to include a prefabricated component during the at least one additive manufacturing process to accelerate build completion of a produced object. Another system and a method are also disclosed.