Multi-Material 3D Printing for Complex Elasticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies are limited in creating objects with complex, user-specified characteristics such as elasticity, density, and deformation behavior, as they typically use a single consumable material, restricting the creation of objects that require specific properties like deformable materials found in nature, such as garments or human tissue.
Innovation Solution
A system that characterizes base materials and uses multi-material 3D printing to generate objects with desired characteristics by processing user input to determine the optimal placement of multiple base materials, employing a goal-based design approach and combinatorial optimization to achieve the desired deformation behavior and properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single consumable material is used in 3D printing, then the manufacturing process is simple and reliable, but the ability to create objects with complex, user-specified characteristics (elasticity, density, deformation behavior) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the material system into multiple base materials with different characteristics (e.g., rigid, soft, elastic, inelastic). Each base material can be independently characterized and selected, allowing the system to create objects with complex properties by combining these segmented materials in specific ways, rather than relying on a single homogeneous material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple base materials with different properties to create final objects with desired characteristics. The system characterizes each base material and then composes them in specific ratios and configurations to achieve target properties such as elasticity, density, and deformation behavior, enabling creation of objects that cannot be made from a single material.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple base materials with different characteristics are used, then objects with desired characteristics can be created, but the complexity of characterizing and selecting the appropriate materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copies or models of the desired object characteristics to guide material selection. By creating a virtual representation of the target object's properties (elasticity, density, deformation behavior), the system can automatically select and combine base materials that match these characteristics, reducing the manual complexity of material characterization and selection while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the base materials (such as elasticity modulus, density, strength) through systematic characterization and then adjusts these parameters in the final composition to match the desired object characteristics. By varying material parameters in a controlled manner, the system achieves precise control over the final object properties without requiring complex manual selection processes.
3Measurement precision
If base materials are selected to match desired object characteristics, then accurate representation of natural materials (human skin, soft tissues) is achieved, but the computational and measurement processes become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with computational models and simulations to characterize material properties. Instead of physically measuring every possible deformation behavior of natural materials like human skin or soft tissues, the system uses virtual models to predict and characterize material properties, reducing the difficulty and complexity of measurement while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer between the desired object characteristics and the base material selection. This intermediary system processes the target characteristics, translates them into measurable parameters, and matches them with appropriate base materials. This intermediary computational process simplifies the overall measurement and selection complexity while maintaining accuracy in representing natural materials.
Data Source
AI summary
In an object generation system, consumable base materials are characterized in a characterization process wherein an object generation system can use a plurality of so-characterized base materials. User input representing a desired object and set of characteristics for that desired object are processed, using a computer or computing device, to derive a mapping of locations for placement of portions of the plurality of base materials such that when the mapping is provided to an object generator, the generated object approximates the representing a desired object and set of characteristics. The characterization of a base material might include elasticity of the base material, the user input might be a desired shape and elasticity, the object generator might be a 3D multi-material printer and the generated object might at least approximate the desired shape and elasticity as a result of being constructed from the plurality of base materials used by the printer.