Modular Process Chamber Segments for Serviceable 3D Printing

Solution Overview

Problem

The maximization of the build chamber volume in additive manufacturing apparatuses leads to insufficient space and accessibility for service tasks within the process chamber, making it difficult for maintenance and cleaning due to the compact design.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus is designed with separable chamber segments that can be detached for improved accessibility, allowing specific areas of the process chamber to be accessed without the need for additional openings, and includes a demounting unit for safe handling and storage of the segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the build chamber volume is maximized, then the manufacturing capacity is improved, but the accessibility for service tasks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuild chamber volumeVSAvoidaccessibility for service tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The process chamber is divided into multiple detachable chamber segments that can be separated from each other. This segmentation allows service personnel to access specific areas within the chamber by detaching only the necessary segments, rather than requiring access to the entire chamber volume. The segmented design maintains a compact overall apparatus size while providing sufficient access space for maintenance and cleaning tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the build chamber volume is maximized, then the manufacturing capacity is improved, but the space for service tasks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuild chamber volumeVSAvoidspace for service tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The process chamber is divided into multiple detachable chamber segments that can be separated from each other. This segmentation allows service personnel to access specific areas within the chamber by detaching only the necessary segments, rather than requiring access to the entire chamber volume. The segmented design maintains a compact overall apparatus size while providing sufficient access space for maintenance and cleaning tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of stationary object

If the apparatus size is reduced, then the space efficiency is improved, but the accessibility for maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus dimensionsVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The process chamber is divided into multiple detachable chamber segments that can be separated from each other. This segmentation allows service personnel to access specific areas within the chamber by detaching only the necessary segments, rather than requiring access to the entire chamber volume. The segmented design maintains a compact overall apparatus size while providing sufficient access space for maintenance and cleaning tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber segments are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing them to be detached and reattached as needed. This dynamic capability enables the apparatus to transition between a compact closed state for normal operation and an open state with improved accessibility for maintenance tasks, optimizing both apparatus size and serviceability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 modular design ensures sufficient space for service tasks while maintaining a compact overall apparatus size, providing enhanced accessibility and ease of maintenance without compromising the gas-tight seal of the process chamber.

Implementation Method 1

selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a powdered build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser beam irradiation: Laser

Implementation Method 2

A respective apparatus can be a selective laser sintering apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective laser sintering: Selective Laser Sintering

Implementation Method 3

A respective apparatus can be a selective laser melting apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective laser melting: Laser

Implementation Method 4

A respective apparatus can be a selective electron beam melting apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron beam melting: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 5

The gaseous fluid stream is capable of being charged with non-consolidated particulate build material, particularly smoke or smoke residues generated during operation of the apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGaseous fluid stream transport: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3431260B1Apparatus for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects

Publication Date: 2021.06.02 CL SCHUTZRECHTSVERW

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam, comprising at least one process chamber (2), wherein the process chamber (2) comprises at least two chamber segments (3, 4), wherein at least one chamber segment (3, 4) is mounted on the at least one other chamber segment (3, 4) and is separately detachable.