Perpendicular 3D Printing Application Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for layer-wise generation of three-dimensional models from powdered material are inefficient due to long operating cycles caused by non-overlapping initial position return times of application devices, leading to reduced productivity and the inability to create complex shapes without physical models.

Innovation Solution

A system with a powdered material application device and a binder application device that move in perpendicular trajectories, allowing for two-directional operation without idle returns, enabling simultaneous loading and application of material and binder, and using micro-injection with staggered nozzles to cover the entire work surface in a single pass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the powdered material application device and binder application device move in one direction and return to initial position sequentially, then the devices can complete their application tasks, but the operating cycle becomes long due to non-overlapping return times reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompletion of application tasksVSAvoidoperating cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the movement pattern from one-dimensional sequential operation to two-dimensional parallel operation. The powdered material application device and binder application device move in perpendicular trajectories, allowing both devices to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other's return to initial position, thus eliminating waiting time and reducing the operating cycle.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous operation by eliminating idle return time. While one device is applying material, the other device is simultaneously returning to its initial position or applying material, ensuring that both devices are always in productive operation without waiting for the other to complete its cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If the binder application device scans the work surface step by step in multiple passes, then complete coverage is achieved, but the operating time increases due to non-single-pass application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete coverage of work surfaceVSAvoidbinder application time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs staggered nozzles arranged in multiple rows along the direction of movement, enabling the binder application device to cover the entire work surface width in a single pass. This eliminates the need for step-by-step scanning and multiple passes, significantly reducing the binder application time while ensuring complete coverage.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If physical models and molds are used for casting pattern generation, then traditional casting shapes can be produced, but complex shapes and weight reduction techniques cannot be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraditional casting productionVSAvoidcomplex shape generation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital 3D computer models as virtual copies of the desired casting patterns, replacing physical models and molds. This digital copying approach allows for easy modification and generation of complex shapes, including weight reduction techniques, without the constraints of physical model construction and mold making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3280585B1Method and system for layer-wise generation of three-dimensional models from powdered material
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 PRINT CAST
  • EP3280585B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3280585B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3280585B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The method and system for layer-wise generation of three-dimensional objects from powdered material includes sequential application of powdered material and suitable binder onto a vertically mobile worktop (2). Depositing is performed by a powdered material application device (1) and a binder application device (3). The two application devices (1 and 3) work in two mutually perpendicular directions along two horizontal planes parallel to each other and the worktop (2), performing the application in both directions of movement between their final positions. Application devices (1 and 3) move and deposit the respective substance at a different optimal rate depending on the process. The method and the system have a wide range of applications in the casting industry for the layer-wise generation of complete sand molds and/or high precision cores directly from a three-dimensional computer model. They reduce the time required to produce casting shapes and improve the accuracy, and also allow the generation of more complex shapes without the need for a physical model.