Movable Gas Extraction Nozzle for Cleaner 3D Powder Bed Builds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional object manufacturing devices face challenges in effectively removing larger and heavier particles from the construction field, which can settle on the powder layer and reduce the quality of the completed object and potentially impair the operation of the device over time.
Innovation Solution
A movable gas suction nozzle is used, controlled by reference points to ensure optimal positioning and orientation, allowing for effective removal of particles from the construction site and the coupling window, with defined distance limits to maintain suction efficiency and avoid interference with the powder surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed gas extraction nozzle is used in the prior art, then the device structure is simple, but larger and heavier particles are not completely carried away and settle on the powder layer, reducing manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The gas extraction nozzle is made movable instead of fixed, allowing it to be positioned optimally near the solidification point during the build process. This dynamic positioning enables effective extraction of particles throughout the construction area without requiring a complex fixed extraction system covering the entire chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable gas extraction nozzle serves multiple functions: it extracts particles during the build process by positioning near the solidification point, and it can be moved to clean the coupling window and other interior surfaces. This single component handles both particle extraction and cleaning tasks that would otherwise require separate systems.
2Reliability
If a movable gas extraction nozzle is used to extract particles throughout the construction area, then particle removal effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas extraction nozzle is integrated with the movable platform or positioning system, allowing it to move dynamically to follow the solidification point or be positioned where particles need extraction. This eliminates the need for multiple fixed extraction nozzles or complex extraction channels throughout the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable gas extraction nozzle can autonomously position itself near the solidification point or move to clean different interior surfaces based on process requirements. The system self-adjusts its position to maintain optimal extraction effectiveness without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the gas extraction nozzle is positioned close to the solidification point, then particle extraction efficiency is improved, but the nozzle may interfere with the powder surface
Solution Approach 1:
The gas extraction nozzle maintains a dynamically adjustable distance from the powder surface, allowing it to position itself optimally for particle extraction without contacting the powder. The nozzle can move closer when particle extraction is needed and retreat when it might interfere with the powder layer or solidification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas extraction nozzle is positioned locally near the solidification point rather than being a general extraction system. This localized positioning allows the nozzle to extract particles effectively from the immediate area without affecting the broader powder surface or requiring the entire extraction system to be positioned close to the powder.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a directed protective gas flow is generated through the process chamber, then contaminants are removed from the construction field, but larger particles are not completely carried away and may settle on the powder layer
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on general protective gas flow to remove particles, the invention uses a dedicated movable gas extraction nozzle that actively extracts particles through localized suction. This extraction system specifically targets and removes particles that the general protective gas flow cannot carry away, preventing their settlement on the powder layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas extraction nozzle moves dynamically to follow the solidification point or position itself where particles are generated, maintaining effective extraction throughout the build process. This dynamic positioning ensures that particles are continuously extracted from the construction area regardless of where the laser is currently working.
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 approach ensures reliable removal of disturbing particles, improving the quality of the completed object and simplifying device operation, even in larger construction fields, by maintaining an optimal suction effect across the entire construction area.
Implementation Method 1
A movable gas suction nozzle is used, controlled by reference points to ensure optimal positioning and orientation, allowing for effective removal of particles from the construction site and the coupling window
Implementation Method 2
a laser beam, and a coupling window (15) for the laser beam (22) to be coupled into the process chamber (3)
Implementation Method 3
this layer is then solidified at the points corresponding to the respective cross-section of the object by the action of a laser beam. This means it is melted and/or fused and solidifies
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for producing a three-dimensional object (2) by solidifying build material (13) layer by layer on a cross section of the object (2) to be produced in locations (43) corresponding to a respective layer, which device (1) contains a coating device (12-14) for applying a layer of the build material (13) to a working plane (10), a solidifying device (20) for selectively solidifying the build material (13) in the applied layer, and a gas extraction nozzle (34) for extracting gas out of the device (1). The gas extraction nozzle (34) is arranged movably, and the device (1) is formed to control or regulate a movement and/or orientation of the gas extraction nozzle (34) depending on a number of reference points (51, 53, 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d).