Portable 3D Printing Apparatus with Adjustable Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies require a large work area and are difficult to move into harsh or confined environments, limiting their application in construction and other settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable 3D printing apparatus comprising a movable robot with a printing part and adjustable leg parts that can change height and position to accommodate various environments, allowing for 3D printing in small spaces and challenging environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a 3D printer has a large work area to produce large structures, then the printing capability is improved, but the device becomes difficult to move to construction environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the work area configurable through adjustable leg parts. The leg parts can change the height and configuration of the printing platform, allowing the same compact device to accommodate various work area requirements. This transforms the work area from a fixed constraint into a dynamic, adaptable parameter that can be adjusted for different construction environments and structure sizes.
2Ease of operation
If a 3D printer is designed for portability and mobility, then ease of movement is improved, but the work area becomes insufficient for large structures
Solution Approach 1:
The leg parts enable the printing apparatus to dynamically adjust its configuration. When mobility is needed, the leg parts can be repositioned or reconfigured to maintain stability while allowing the device to be transported to construction sites. When printing large structures, the same leg parts can be adjusted to create a larger effective work area, thus resolving the contradiction between portability and work capacity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the printing apparatus uses a fixed frame structure, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to various environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed frame structure with adjustable leg parts that can be reconfigured for different environments. The leg parts maintain structural stability during operation through their adjustable design, while allowing the overall apparatus to adapt to various construction environments. This dynamic configuration enables the same structure to stabilize on uneven terrain or in confined spaces, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus including a movable robot that is to be movable on the ground, a printing part mounted on the movable robot and that performs three-dimensional (3D) printing, and leg parts configured to be movable to the ground to fix a position of the movable robot with respect to the ground.