Photosensitivity Test Cell Using Thermal and Strain Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the photosensitivity of stereolithography resins are cumbersome and prone to user variability, requiring multiple test objects and measurements that are susceptible to human error.

Innovation Solution

A test cell with a light-transmissive base member and sensors, such as thermal or strain sensors, is used to measure the heat and strain generated by a photopolymerizable material when exposed to light, providing a more accurate and efficient method for determining photosensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple test objects are printed and multiple measurements are taken with a micrometer, then photosensitivity determination is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and prone to user variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotosensitivity measurement accuracyVSAvoidtest process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical micrometer measurement system with an optical detection system. The sensor detects photosensitivity through optical means (measuring light transmission or absorption changes) rather than mechanical contact measurement, thereby eliminating the complexity of multiple test objects and manual measurements while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary between the light source and the photopolymerizable material. This sensor mediates the measurement process by detecting changes in light properties caused by the material's photosensitivity, providing a direct single-step measurement that replaces the complex multi-step micrometer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple test objects are printed and measurements are taken manually, then photosensitivity data is obtained, but user variability and human error increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the measurement system to perform its own measurement and detection without requiring manual intervention. The sensor automatically detects photosensitivity changes when exposed to light, eliminating the need for users to manually measure and record data from multiple test objects, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors light interaction with the photopolymerizable material and provides real-time detection of photosensitivity. This automated feedback loop eliminates user variability by consistently applying the same measurement criteria without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If a single-step sensor-based measurement is used, then process simplicity is improved, but measurement capability must be sufficient to accurately detect photosensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidphotosensitivity detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (light transmission, absorption, or intensity) that occur when the photopolymerizable material undergoes photosensitivity changes. By detecting these parameter changes with a sensor, the system achieves both high productivity through single-step measurement and high precision through sensitive optical detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent detects the phase transition or chemical change in the photopolymerizable material during photosensitivity by monitoring optical property changes. The sensor captures the transition state information in a single measurement step, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving testing efficiency compared to multiple post-cure measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 approach allows for precise measurement of photosensitivity by sensing heat and strain responses, reducing variability and improving the accuracy of resin characterization.

Implementation Method 1

sequential polymerization of a light polymerizable resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

a sensor comprising a thermal sensor, strain sensor, or combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal detection: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a sensor comprising a thermal sensor, strain sensor, or combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain detection: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11859027B2Apparatus for determining the photosensitivity of a stereolithography resin

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 CARBON INC

AI summary

A test cell useful for determining the photosensitivity of a photopolymerizable material, includes a support plate having a top surface portion, a bottom surface portion, and an opening extending therebetween, a light-transmissive base member removably or permanently connected to said bottom surface portion to form with said opening a well, into which well photopolymerizable material can be deposited, and a sensor comprising a thermal sensor, strain sensor, or combination thereof operatively associated with said light-transmissive base member.