3D Printing Modelling Head with Movable Base Bodies for Tool-Free Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional printing machines require manual and complex detachment processes for finished objects, which can lead to damage and require specialized tools and operators, complicating the process and making it time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A modelling head with movable base bodies and inserts that allow the object to adhere during formation and then retract to provide a thrust for safe and tool-free detachment, enabling automatic or non-specialist operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual detachment using cutting tools is used, then the object can be detached from the work surface, but the process is complex, time-consuming and requires specialist operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment operationVSAvoiddetachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic detachment without requiring manual intervention. The base body moves relative to the insert to automatically push the object off the work surface, making the system self-servicing for the detachment operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of sliding cutting tools into grooves is replaced by an automated mechanical system where the base body moves relative to the insert to provide a pushing thrust for detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual detachment with cutting tools is used, then the object can be removed, but there is a high risk of breaking or damaging the object

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment operationVSAvoidobject integrity during detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic detachment system eliminates the need for manual operation, removing the human element that causes damage. The system self-regulates the detachment process through controlled relative movement between base body and insert.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic relative movement between the base body and insert to control the detachment process. The movable base body allows for controlled pushing action that adapts to the object's position and fragility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If grooves are made in the work surface to facilitate detachment, then detachment is easier, but the system requires specialized tools and manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment operationVSAvoiddetachment system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detachment function is extracted from the work surface itself and transferred to a separate mechanical system consisting of the movable base body and insert. This removes the need for grooves and specialized tools while maintaining ease of detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable base body acts as an intermediary mechanism between the object and the external operator. It translates simple operational input into the complex pushing motion needed for safe detachment, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the work surface provides optimal grip during formation, then the object adheres well during printing, but detachment becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject adhesion during printingVSAvoiddetachment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the interaction between the object and work surface. During printing, the fixed base body provides stable adhesion. During detachment, the base body moves relative to the insert to provide a controlled pushing thrust that overcomes adhesion without damaging the object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base body is segmented into a movable portion and a fixed portion (or into base body and insert). This allows the system to provide both strong adhesion during printing and controlled detachment during removal, resolving the contradiction between these two operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates quick, safe, and tool-free detachment of objects, allowing for both optimal grip during formation and easy release without damaging the object, even by non-specialist operators, and can be automated for increased efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a resin stimulating device comprising a light source, typically a laser emitter, able to selectively irradiate the layer of liquid resin adjacent to the bottom of the vat, so as to solidify it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

the modelling head is moved away from the bottom of the vat, so as to make the solidified layer emerge and thus allow the necessary thickness of the liquid resin to be restored

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3380307B9A modelling head for a three-dimensional printing machine and printing machine
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 SISMA SPA
  • EP3380307B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3380307B9 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3380307B9 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A modelling head (1 ) for a three-dimensional printing machine (100) comprising: a first base body (2) having a work surface (2a); a second base body (3) having a work surface (3a), so that an object being formed inside the machine adheres to at least one of said work surfaces (2a, 3a) of the base bodies (2, 3); a movement means (5) for moving said base bodies (2, 3) in relation to one another so that said second base body (3) assumes a projecting position from the first base body (2) or a recessing position into said first base body (2), therefore the respective work surfaces (2a, 3a) of said bodies (2, 3) cross one another and the formed object receives a thrust so that it becomes detached from the work surface (2a, 3a) to which it adhered.