Powder Container Coupling for Tool-Free Additive Manufacturing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of heavy container arrangements in additive manufacturing apparatuses is cumbersome due to the need for tight connections, which complicates the process and requires significant operator effort.
Innovation Solution
A threaded joint connection system allowing limited rotation (less than 180°) between the process chamber and container arrangements, enabling easy and secure attachment and detachment, with features like a bayonet lock, externally and internally threaded parts, and a rotatable ring for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tight connection is used to secure the heavy container arrangement to the process chamber, then the connection tightness is improved, but the ease of installation and operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates a rotatable ring component that allows dynamic rotation during the attachment process. The ring can rotate relative to the container arrangement, enabling the operator to align and secure the heavy container to the process chamber through rotational motion rather than static alignment, thus improving ease of installation while maintaining connection tightness
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the heavy container arrangement and the process chamber. The threads on the ring engage with corresponding threaded holes, providing a mechanical advantage that secures the heavy container firmly while requiring only manual rotation effort from the operator, thus resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of operation
2Strength
If the container arrangement is made heavy for structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the ease of handling and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded ring connection system serves as a mechanical intermediary that leverages thread engagement to secure the heavy container arrangement. The threads convert rotational motion into secure fastening, allowing the heavy container to be firmly attached to the process chamber while requiring only manual rotation effort, thus maintaining structural integrity without compromising ease of handling
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection mechanism provides a counterbalancing mechanical advantage that offsets the weight of the heavy container arrangement. The engagement of threads creates a securing force that counteracts gravity and the weight of the container, allowing stable installation without requiring excessive lifting or handling effort
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for additive manufacturing of a workpiece with a laser beam. Preferably, the apparatus is designed to build up the workpiece in layers, each layer consisting of powder which is at least locally connected by the laser beam. The workpiece can be manufactured in a container (18) of a first container arrangement (14) with a lowerable and liftable holder, and the powder can be provided from another container of a second container arrangement. At least one of the container arrangements (14) can be mounted and demounted, in particular tool-free, to/from a process chamber (12) of the apparatus. Mounting and demounting can be achieved via a first connection (26), comprising a first threaded part (32) and a fitting second threaded part (34). The threaded parts (32, 34) allow for a limited rotation of the container arrangement (14) with respect to the process chamber (12) for mounting and demounting of the container arrangement (14) to/from the process chamber (12). Preferably, the first threaded part is built in a flange (30) of the process chamber (12) and/or the second threaded part (34) is built in a ring (36) that can be turned at the top of the container arrangement (14).