Modular Robot Arms for Additive Manufacturing Gas Flow Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing devices lack modular and adaptable robots for characterizing protective gas flows, leading to incomplete or inaccurate mapping due to varying chamber dimensions and limited movement possibilities, which affects the homogeneity and efficiency of fume and spatter removal.
Innovation Solution
A modular robot with adjustable movement arms and interchangeable modules for measuring gas flow characteristics, allowing precise adaptation to different chamber configurations and dimensions, equipped with measuring probes to assess flow velocity, temperature, and oxygen content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-modular robot is built according to fixed chamber dimensions, then the robot can be designed for a specific configuration, but it cannot be adapted to different chamber sizes and applications
Solution Approach 1:
The robot's movement arms are divided into multiple modular segments that can be assembled in different configurations. Each segment can be independently adjusted or replaced, allowing the robot to adapt to various chamber dimensions without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot employs adjustable and reconfigurable movement arms with variable lengths and positions. This dynamic structure allows the robot to be reconfigured for different chamber sizes and applications, transforming a static design into an adaptable system.
2Measurement precision
If the robot movement arms are fixed in length, then the robot structure is simple, but it cannot accurately map gas flows in chambers of varying dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The movement arms are segmented into adjustable sections that can be reconfigured to match different chamber dimensions. This segmentation enables precise positioning of the measuring probe throughout the chamber volume, improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot allows changes in the physical parameters of the movement arms, specifically their lengths and positions. These parameter adjustments enable the robot to accurately map gas flows in chambers of varying dimensions while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated measurement robot is built for each chamber configuration, then measurement accuracy is ensured, but installation and system setup become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is designed as a universal system that can be used across multiple chamber configurations. The modular and adjustable structure allows a single robot design to serve multiple functions and applications, eliminating the need to build dedicated robots for each chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic and reconfigurable nature of the robot allows it to adapt to different chamber configurations without requiring custom-built dedicated systems. This reduces installation complexity while maintaining measurement precision through programmable positioning and adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the additive manufacturing of at least one part comprising a manufacturing chamber (8) which comprises, in its internal space, a manufacturing region (7), an irradiating means (9) configured to irradiate at least one portion of the manufacturing region (7) corresponding to a cross-section of the part, a gas supply system connected to the internal space of the manufacturing chamber (8) and configured to produce a gas flow for protecting the manufacturing region (7) when the manufacturing chamber (8) is supplied with gas, an adjustable robot (100) configured to characterise at least one portion of the protective gas flow, the adjustable robot (100) comprising a measurement arm (101), a first frame (103) carrying the measurement arm (101), a first movement arm (105) associated with the first frame (103) and extending parallel to a first direction (r, y), first drive means (106) for driving the first frame (103), capable of causing the first frame (103) to move in translation along the first movement arm (105), a second frame (104), a second movement arm (107) associated with the second frame and extending parallel to a second direction (x), second drive means (108) for driving the second frame (104) capable of causing the second frame (104) and the first movement arm (105) to move in translation along the second movement arm (107). According to the invention, at least one of the first movement arm (105) and the second movement arm (107) of the adjustable robot (100) comprises a plurality of modules (105a, 105b, 107a, 107b) that are physically separate and joined to one another by removable joining means (109) such that the total length of the first movement arm (105) and/or the total length of the second movement arm (107) is adjustable by removing or adding one or more modules (105a, 105b, 107a, 107b).