Movable Shaping Table for Large 3D Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-dimensional object shaping devices face limitations in precision and complexity when trying to shape objects larger than the irradiation area of a light beam, often requiring multiple irradiation devices, which increases cost and complicates control, especially at border areas between irradiation zones.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional object shaping device that uses a single irradiation device with a movable shaping table and control unit to adjust the irradiation area, allowing for precise shaping of larger objects by changing the position and size of the irradiation area within a larger shaping area, thereby simplifying the process and maintaining precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple irradiation devices are used to shape larger three-dimensional objects, then the shaping area is increased, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaping areaVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple irradiation devices into a single irradiation device by implementing a movable shaping table that can change position and orientation. This allows one irradiation device to cover multiple areas sequentially, achieving the effect of multiple devices while reducing system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shaping table is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position and orientation during the shaping process. This dynamic capability enables a single irradiation device to effectively cover a larger shaping area by moving the table to different positions, resolving the contradiction between shaping area and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If multiple irradiation devices are used to expand the shaping area, then larger objects can be shaped, but the control difficulty increases especially at border areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaping areaVSAvoidcontrol difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable shaping table allows for dynamic adjustment of the irradiation area position and size. By controlling the table's movement, the system can seamlessly transition between different irradiation zones without the control complexity associated with coordinating multiple fixed irradiation devices, particularly eliminating border area control issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single irradiation device with a movable shaping table serves multiple functions that would otherwise require multiple dedicated devices. The system can irradiate different areas, adjust irradiation area size, and maintain consistent control throughout the process, simplifying operation while achieving expanded shaping capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the irradiation area is limited to maintain precision, then shaping precision is improved, but the shaping area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaping precisionVSAvoidshaping area
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The movable shaping table enables dynamic adjustment of the irradiation area position while maintaining a controlled, precision-optimized area size. The table can be repositioned to cover different regions of the workpiece, effectively expanding the total shaping area without compromising the precision within each irradiation zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the simple, easy, and precise shaping of three-dimensional objects larger than the irradiation area of a single light beam device, improving shaping efficiency while reducing the complexity and cost of the shaping process.

Implementation Method 1

a light beam is irradiated to a shaping material (e.g., powder, liquid) by a light beam irradiation device so as to harden the shaping material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight beam irradiation hardening: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3395550B1Three-dimensional object shaping device and manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 BRIDGESTONE CORP
  • EP3395550B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3395550B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP3395550B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~6B

AI summary

A three-dimensional object that is bigger than an irradiation area of a light beam by one irradiation device is simply, easily and precisely shaped. A three-dimensional object shaping device (1) shapes a three-dimensional object that is a laminated body of hardened layers made of a shaping material, in a horizontal shaping area (7) which holds the shaping material hardened by irradiation of a light beam (L) . An irradiation device (30) irradiates the light beam (L) to an irradiation area (8) in the shaping area (7) from above the shaping area (7). A shaping table (10) has the shaping area (7) that is larger than the irradiation area (8) . A moving device moves the shaping table (10) in a horizontal direction so as to change a position of the irradiation area (8) in the shaping area (7).