Additive Manufacturing Plant Module Transport Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing processes face downtime due to the need to keep the loading path free for removing used modules, preventing fresh modules from being brought to the work position until the used ones are fully removed.
Innovation Solution
The plant allows modules to be moved from the tunnel structure into a work position along a loading direction and out of the apparatus along an unloading direction, where the loading and unloading directions differ from the tunnel transport direction, enabling continuous operation without waiting for used modules to be completely removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the loading path is kept free for removing used modules, then the used modules can be removed completely, but fresh modules cannot be brought to the work position until the used modules are removed, leading to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the module transport path into two separate paths: a loading path for bringing fresh modules to the work position, and an unloading path for removing used modules from the work position. This segmentation allows both operations to occur simultaneously without interfering with each other, eliminating the downtime that occurred when a single shared path was used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by creating separate loading and unloading paths that diverge from the tunnel transport direction. The loading path extends in a first direction while the unloading path extends in a second direction, allowing modules to be loaded and unloaded simultaneously without blocking each other's movement.
2Device complexity
If a single path is used for both loading and unloading modules, then the structure is simple, but the apparatus experiences downtime when module replacement is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into distinct loading and unloading paths, allowing simultaneous module replacement operations. The loading path and unloading path are separated both in space and in function, enabling continuous operation without the productivity loss that would result from using a single shared path.
3Ease of operation
If the loading and unloading directions are the same as the tunnel transport direction, then the module movement is straightforward, but fresh modules cannot be brought to the work position before used modules are fully removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the direction of module transport by introducing loading and unloading paths that extend in directions different from the tunnel transport direction. The loading path extends in a first direction while the unloading path extends in a second direction, allowing modules to be moved in and out of the work position simultaneously without blocking each other, thus eliminating downtime.
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 significantly reduces downtime by allowing fresh modules to be brought to the work position before used modules are fully removed, enhancing the efficiency of the additive manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy source
Implementation Method 2
selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy source
Data Source
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AI summary
Plant (1) comprising at least one apparatus (2, 3, 17, 18) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy source, which plant (1) comprises at least one module (4) separably connected or connectable with the apparatus (2, 3, 17, 18), wherein the plant (1) comprises at least one tunnel structure (5) through which the at least one module (4) is moveable in a tunnel transport direction (6), wherein the at least one module (4) is moveable from the tunnel structure (5) into a work position (7) inside the apparatus (2, 3, 17, 18) along a loading direction (10) and the at least one module (4) is moveable from the work position (7) out of the apparatus (2, 3, 17, 18) along an unloading direction (12) or the at least one module (4) is moveable from outside the apparatus (2, 3, 17, 18) into the work position (7) along a loading direction (10) and the at least one module (4) is moveable from the work position (7) into the tunnel structure (5) along an unloading direction (12), wherein the loading and unloading direction (10, 12) differ from the tunnel transport direction (6).