3D Printer With Movable Insulated Cover for Automated Object Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printers with thermally insulated build chambers hinder automated serial production by requiring manual intervention for object removal, limiting the efficiency of series production.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printer with a movable, thermally insulated cover that allows for automated object removal and exchange by decoupling parts of the cover, enabling a conveyor device to access the build space without manual intervention, and a base plate that can be cleaned and reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the build chamber is enclosed on all sides by thermal insulation, then thermal insulation is maintained, but automated object removal is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into a first part that is rigidly coupled to the print head and a second part that can be decoupled and placed in a parking position. This segmentation allows the build chamber to remain thermally insulated during printing while enabling automated object removal by creating an opening when the second part is detached.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means allows the cover parts to transition between coupled and decoupled states dynamically. During normal operation, the cover remains closed for thermal insulation; during object removal, the second part can be decoupled and repositioned to create an opening, enabling automated extraction without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a hinged or sliding door is designed for the build chamber, then object removal is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first part of the cover serves dual functions: it maintains thermal insulation during printing when coupled to the second part, and it enables object removal when the second part is decoupled and repositioned. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hinged or sliding door mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The print head's existing movement capability is utilized to move the first part of the cover, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex mechanical systems. The system uses its own existing motion resources to achieve cover opening and closing, simplifying the overall mechanism.
3Loss of energy
If manual intervention is required for object removal, then thermal insulation is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated object removal by using the print head's movement capability to reposition the first part of the cover and a conveyor device to extract objects. This eliminates manual intervention, maintaining thermal insulation while enabling continuous automated production cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The decouplable cover design allows for rapid opening and closing of the build chamber, enabling continuous automated object removal and placement. This maintains thermal insulation between operations while eliminating idle time associated with manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity in serial production.
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 automated serial production of objects, allowing for efficient switching between objects and reducing the risk of mechanical damage during detachment, while maintaining thermal insulation and enabling faster production cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal insulation of the build chamber comprises a cover consisting of at least two parts that can be moved with the print head
Implementation Method 2
The material can be bonded to the object being produced, particularly through the influence of temperature
Implementation Method 3
a powdered or pasty material can also be bonded to the object being produced through local heat exposure within the build space, for example, using a laser beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a 3D printer (1), comprising a temperature-controllable, thermally insulated construction compartment (2) for an object (3) to be produced, and at least one print head (4a, 4b) which is movable along at least two axes (x, y) and can add a powdered, pasty or liquid material locally to the object (3) to be produced; the thermal insulation of the construction compartment (2) comprises a cover (6, 6a-c) which is in at least two parts and is movable with the print head (4a, 4b); at least a first part (6a) of this cover (6) is rigidly coupled to the movement of the print head along the two axes (x, y), and at least a second part (6b) of this cover (6) can be coupled to at least one releasable coupling means (7a, 7b) on the first part (6a).