Movable Raw Material Processing Unit for Additive Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current additive manufacturing devices face significant downtime due to the need to empty, clean, and refill raw material containers when switching between different materials, leading to wasted production time and inefficiencies in raw material reuse and recycling.

Innovation Solution

A detachable and movable raw material processing unit that includes a housing with a raw material container and build unit, equipped with transport elements and a docking mechanism, allowing for independent operation and easy exchange with the energy generation unit, enabling continuous manufacturing and efficient recycling of excess raw material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the raw material container is made as an integral part of the additive manufacturing device, then the device structure is simplified, but the downtime for material exchange increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoiddowntime for material exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The raw material container unit is divided into a detachable module that can be separated from the energy generation unit. This segmentation allows the container to be quickly removed and replaced without affecting the main device structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and fast material exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The raw material container unit is designed with movable and detachable characteristics, transitioning from a static integral structure to a dynamic modular structure. This enables quick attachment and detachment during material exchanges, significantly reducing downtime while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the raw material container is emptied and cleaned completely when changing materials, then contamination is prevented, but production time is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The raw material container unit is extracted as a separate detachable module from the energy generation unit. This extraction allows the container to be replaced entirely when changing materials, ensuring no contamination occurs while eliminating the need for time-consuming cleaning procedures of the main device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design accepts that raw material containers may be single-use or limited-life components that can be discarded or quickly replaced. This approach prioritizes preventing contamination over preserving and reusing containers, aligning with the principle of using disposable elements when they prevent more significant problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the additive manufacturing device is stopped for raw material exchange, then proper cleaning and refilling can be done, but continuous manufacturing is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper cleaning and refillingVSAvoidcontinuous manufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a stationary energy generation unit and a movable raw material container unit. This segmentation allows material exchange to occur by simply replacing the container module without interrupting the main device operation, enabling continuous manufacturing while maintaining proper cleaning procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable container design enables continuous useful action by allowing material exchanges to be performed quickly without stopping the energy generation unit. The container can be replaced during or between manufacturing cycles without interrupting the overall manufacturing process, maintaining continuous production capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution reduces downtime by allowing continuous manufacturing and efficient recycling of raw materials, enhancing production efficiency and enabling the reuse of excess material, thereby optimizing production time and reducing waste.

Implementation Method 1

the beam generation unit is configured to generate an energy beam, in particular a laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy beam heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a heat exchange unit configured to preheat the raw material surface by thermal energy transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS11780165B2Additive manufacturing device comprising a replaceable raw material processing unit

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 GREENBATT TECHNOLOGY HOLDING AG

AI summary

A movable raw material processing unit for an additive manufacturing device for manufacturing a solid article comprises a housing comprising a transport device for disengaging the raw material processing unit from the additive manufacturing device. The raw material processing unit comprises a raw material container unit, a build unit and a raw material distribution unit.