Pivotable Reinforcement Insertion for 3D-Printed Concrete
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D concrete printing technologies face limitations in the positioning and insertion of reinforcement elements, such as smooth wires being inserted only parallel to print planes, leading to unnecessary reinforcement in undesired locations and limited size of elements due to magazine constraints.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable dispensing device with a feed drive allows independent insertion of reinforcement elements at various angles, unwinding and cutting elements directly from a reel, enabling targeted reinforcement without over-dimensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reinforcement elements are inserted manually between two planes, then positioning flexibility is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to interrupted printing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reinforcement element insertion function with the 3D printing process by integrating a dispensing device into the printing system. The reinforcement elements are fed from a magazine and inserted into the concrete material during the printing process, allowing both operations to occur simultaneously without interrupting the printing continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dispensing device as an intermediary mechanism between the reinforcement element storage and the printing plane. This device automatically feeds and positions reinforcement elements during printing, serving as a mediator that enables continuous operation while maintaining positioning capability.
2Ease of operation
If reinforcement elements are inserted parallel to print planes only, then insertion simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited insertion angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pivotable dispensing device that can change its orientation dynamically during the printing process. The device includes a pivot axis that allows it to rotate and insert reinforcement elements at different angles relative to the print planes, enabling both parallel and perpendicular insertion while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
3Productivity
If reinforcement elements are inserted continuously during printing, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to unnecessary reinforcement in undesired locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that determines the specific insertion locations of reinforcement elements based on the structural requirements of the component being printed. The system selectively inserts reinforcement elements only at locations where they are structurally necessary, rather than continuously inserting them everywhere, thereby maintaining both high productivity and precise placement accuracy.
4Device complexity
If magazine size is reduced to accommodate smaller components, then device complexity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited reinforcement element size options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reinforcement element storage into multiple magazines, with each magazine dedicated to storing reinforcement elements of a specific size or type. This segmentation allows the system to handle a wide range of reinforcement element sizes across multiple magazines while keeping each individual magazine compact and simple in design.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
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Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
Device (1) for introducing at least one, in particular rod-shaped, reinforcement element (2) into a component (3), in particular a 3D-printed concrete component produced in the course of an additive manufacturing process, wherein the device (1) comprises a dispensing device (4) for the at least one reinforcement element (2) and the dispensing device (4) has at least one receiving device (5) for the at least one reinforcement element (2) and a dispensing device (6) for dispensing and inserting the at least one reinforcement element (2) into the component (3), characterized in that the dispensing device (4) is mounted so as to be at least partially movable, preferably pivotable, and the dispensing device (6) comprises a feed drive (7).