Mechanically Actuated Powder Channel for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder application apparatuses for manufacturing work pieces by exposing powder layers to electromagnetic or particle radiation require electric motors for operation, which increase weight and complexity, and often necessitate precise positioning for accurate powder discharge.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically driven powder application apparatus that uses external mechanical forces from stoppers to control channel opening/closing elements, eliminating the need for electric motors and allowing for automatic, precise powder discharge without the need for external electrical connections or precise positioning systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric motors are used to drive the channel opening/closing mechanism, then the apparatus can achieve controlled powder discharge, but the weight and complexity of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electric motor from the powder application apparatus, extracting the complex electrical driving mechanism while retaining the essential powder discharge control function through a simplified mechanical alternative using spring elements and gravity
Solution Approach 2:
The channel opening/closing element is designed to operate autonomously using spring elements and gravity without requiring external electrical power sources, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for motors and electrical connections
2Reliability
If electric motors are used for channel opening/closing, then controlled powder discharge is achieved, but the weight of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is completely removed from the apparatus, eliminating the heavy electrical components while maintaining powder discharge control through lightweight mechanical elements such as springs and gravity-based actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-contained mechanical elements (spring elements) that provide the necessary actuation force without requiring external power sources, significantly reducing the overall weight of the moving apparatus
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning systems are implemented, then accurate powder discharge location is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel opening/closing element automatically positions itself relative to the carrier through the mechanical interaction with the carrier surface, eliminating the need for external positioning systems while maintaining accurate powder discharge location
Solution Approach 2:
The powder discharge control function is merged with the carrier interaction mechanism, where the carrier itself provides the reference for accurate positioning, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems
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 solution simplifies the apparatus structure, reduces weight, enhances speed and acceleration characteristics, and ensures accurate powder distribution by using mechanical forces to control channel opening/closing elements, enabling efficient operation and precise layer formation.
Implementation Method 1
The first channel opening/closing element is configured to be moved between the first and the second position by means of an external mechanical force acting on the first channel opening/closing element, the external mechanical force being caused by abutting the first channel opening/closing element against a stopper of the device for manufacturing work pieces when moving the powder application apparatus over the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A powder application apparatus is provided for use in a device for manufacturing work pieces by exposing powder layers to electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation. The powder application apparatus comprises a first powder storage provided in a first part of the powder application apparatus and configured to receive and store raw material powder. The powder application apparatus further comprises a first powder supply channel provided in a second part of the powder application apparatus and configured to discharge raw material powder from the first powder storage onto a carrier located below the apparatus. A first channel opening/closing element is configured to be moved between a first position to allow the discharge of raw material powder from the first powder storage onto the carrier, and a second position in which the discharge of raw material powder from the first powder storage onto the carrier is presented.