Oscillating Object Holder for Additive Manufacturing Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for removing unsolidified building material from objects created by layer-by-layer application and selective solidification suffer from rigidity issues in their support systems, leading to inconsistent vibration frequencies and amplitudes, which affect the cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a rigidly mounted object holder that vibrates independently of the base, using a vibration exciter to stimulate optimal vibration frequencies and amplitudes, ensuring consistent oscillation characteristics regardless of the object's weight or position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rubber elements are used to mount the turntable and object holder, then the mounting can accommodate weight variations, but the stiffness becomes dependent on object weight causing inconsistent vibration frequencies and amplitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the object holder (turntable with clamping device) from the base structure and mounts it on actively controlled vibration exciter elements. This separates the vibration generation function from the mounting structure, allowing independent control of vibration parameters regardless of object weight variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors to detect the actual vibration frequency and amplitude of the object holder, and uses this feedback information to actively adjust the excitation signals from the vibration exciter. This closed-loop control compensates for weight-induced stiffness changes and maintains consistent vibration parameters.
2Device complexity
If the object projects freely from the turntable, then the clamping device has simpler structure, but the object wobbles uncontrollably during rotation due to weight shift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static mounting approach to a dynamic one by actively controlling the vibration exciter to compensate for weight shifts. The system adapts in real-time to maintain stability, allowing the object to project freely without requiring complex mechanical restraints.
3Power
If the vibration exciter is firmly connected to the base, then the vibration transmission is efficient, but the unwanted vibrations and airborne noise resonate through the device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the object holder as an intermediary component between the vibration exciter and the base. The object holder is selectively coupled to the exciter, allowing vibration transmission to the object while isolating the base from unwanted vibrations through controlled connection points and damping elements.
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 provides a consistent and optimal cleaning result by maintaining constant oscillation frequencies and amplitudes, unaffected by the object's weight or center of gravity changes, enhancing the separation of unsolidified building material.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration exciter 20 is arranged directly on the turntable 10, which excites the turntable 10 and the clamping device 19 firmly connected to it and the object 7 clamped thereto to vibrate in order to assist in the detachment of powder from the object 7 through the induced vibrations
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning device (100) for separating unsolidified build material remaining from at least one object (7) created by layer-by-layer application and selective solidification of the build material within the framework of an additive manufacturing process, which comprises at least the following: an object holder (19) configured to receive the at least one object (7), a build platform (14) of the at least one object or a build container containing the at least one object (7), an electronic control, and a vibration exciter (20) controlled by the electronic control, which is controlled by the electronic control such that it excites at least the object holder (19) to vibrations in order to separate unsolidified build material remaining from the at least one object (7) received on or in the object holder (19) within the framework of a cleaning process.According to the invention, the object holder (19) is movably mounted or guided relative to a base (10) in at least one degree of freedom, and the vibration exciter (20) is arranged between the object holder (19) and the base (10) and excites the object holder (19) to vibrations in the at least one degree of freedom by being supported on the object holder (19) on one side and on the base (10) on the other.