Partitioned Additive Processing Layout for Dust Explosion Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing systems face safety concerns due to the risk of explosions from contact between powdery build materials and ignition sources within the chamber, particularly when using driving power sources with ignition sources.

Innovation Solution

The processing system is designed with the driving power source located outside the chamber, separated by a partition member, and uses a purge gas to prevent contact between build materials and ignition sources, ensuring the system's safety by preventing dust explosions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the driving power source is placed inside the chamber, then the system structure is simplified and mobility is improved, but the risk of explosion increases due to contact between powdery build materials and ignition sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidexplosion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate spaces by a partition member: the chamber containing powdery build materials and the external space containing the driving power source with ignition sources. This segmentation prevents direct contact between hazardous materials and ignition sources, resolving the explosion risk while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driving power source, which contains ignition sources, is extracted from the chamber and placed in an external space. This extraction eliminates the direct hazard of ignition sources contacting powdery build materials, thereby preventing explosions while preserving the power source's function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the driving power source is placed outside the chamber, then explosion risk is reduced, but the system structure becomes more complex and mobility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexplosion riskVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A partition member acts as an intermediary structure that separates the chamber from the external space while allowing controlled interaction. The partition includes an aperture that enables the driving power transmission member to pass through, providing a structured interface that manages the complexity of having separated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional configuration by extending the driving power transmission member through the partition aperture. This spatial arrangement allows the power source to be externally located while maintaining functional connection, managing structural complexity through efficient spatial utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the driving power source is placed outside the chamber, then safety is improved, but the transmission of driving power becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexplosion riskVSAvoidpower transmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission system is segmented into distinct components: the driving power transmission member located in the external space, the aperture in the partition member, and the transmission path through the partition. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while managing the overall transmission complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for safe and effective additive processing by preventing explosions, enabling the system to operate reliably without the need for continuous purge gas, while maintaining the mobility of the stage within the chamber.

Implementation Method 1

forming a build object by melting powder-like materials with an energy beam and then solidifying the molten materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

a partition member (61) that surrounds the chamber space (63IN)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

a driving power transmission member (33) that extends from the external space (64OUT) to the stage (31) housed in the chamber space (63IN) through an aperture (65) formed at the partition member (61)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical power transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3950208B1Processing system and method
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 NIKON CORP
  • EP3950208B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3950208B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3950208B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A processing system is provided with: a support apparatus that supports an object; a processing apparatus that performs an additive processing on the object by supplying powdery materials to the object; a driving power source that generates driving power; a driving power transmission member that transmits the driving power to at least one of the support apparatus and the processing apparatus; a partition member that is disposed between the driving power source and at least a part of the processing apparatus and that has a formed through hole which the driving power transmission penetrates; and a seal member that seals a gap between the driving power transmission member and the partition member.