3D Fabrication Pore Placement Using Anchor Point Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated approaches for placing pores in 3D fabrication result in undesired locations, leading to weak points and defects in fabricated items, particularly in devices used for forming wet parts from slurry.

Innovation Solution

A processor determines anchor points on a digital model to guide pore placement, ensuring pores are positioned according to predefined constraints, avoiding certain areas and maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated approaches are used for placing pores in 3D fabrication, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to pores being placed at undesired locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepore placement efficiencyVSAvoidpore placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of anchor points on the digital model before actual pore placement. These anchor points are predetermined locations that serve as reference markers, allowing the automated system to plan pore positions in advance and avoid undesired locations while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Anchor points are introduced as intermediary elements that mediate between the automated pore placement system and the final pore positions. The anchor points act as reference markers that guide the placement algorithm, ensuring pores are positioned accurately without requiring complex real-time calculations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If pores are placed according to a set pattern across a surface, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to weak points at sharp corners and thin sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepore placement consistencyVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by allowing different pore placement characteristics in different regions of the item. Anchor points are strategically positioned to account for local geometric features, enabling the system to place pores consistently in suitable areas while avoiding sharp corners and thin sections where pores would compromise structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12472707B2Pore placement determinations using anchor points

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 PERIDOT PRINT LLC

AI summary

According to examples, a processor may place anchor points at determined locations of a digital model of an item to be fabricated by a three-dimensional (3D) fabrication system. The anchor points may include points that remain in place during a placement determination of pores on the digital model and may correspond to locations at which pores are or are not to be formed in the digital model. The processor may determine places at which the pores are to be set in the digital model of the item, in which the pores are to be placed to comply with a predefined constraint with respect to each other and the anchor points and may modify the digital model to place the pores at the determined places in the digital model and to add pores at anchor points that correspond to pores in the digital model.