Powder Hopper Docking Handle With Actuated Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking arrangements for additive manufacturing processes lack a comprehensive solution for controlled dispensing of powders from hoppers to additive manufacturing machines, particularly in large-scale processes where manual control is impractical and environmental controls are necessary.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an operating handle with a rotatable shaft coupled to a valve arrangement, allowing for manual or automatic control of powder dispensing. This handle includes a lever that can be actuated manually or by an actuator, enabling precise control of the valve's operational state, and is designed to be securely coupled to the additive manufacturing machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of valve arrangement is used for powder dispensing, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to operator reach limitations and manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
An actuator is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the valve arrangement. The actuator receives automatic control signals and translates them into mechanical motion to operate the valve, eliminating the need for direct manual intervention while maintaining controllable powder dispensing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control system is replaced with an automated control system using an actuator. The actuator converts control signals into mechanical motion to operate the valve arrangement, substituting direct human mechanical interaction with an automated mechanical system that can be controlled remotely or automatically
2Productivity
If automated actuator control is implemented for powder dispensing, then productivity increases through automatic operation, but device complexity increases due to additional actuator components
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with multi-functionality to justify its addition. It not only controls the valve arrangement for powder dispensing but can also potentially integrate with other system controls, providing multiple functions from a single added component to minimize overall system complexity increase
3Reliability
If hopper is securely coupled to additive manufacturing machine, then reliability of material delivery improves, but ease of operation decreases due to reduced accessibility for manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into modular components that can be independently accessed and adjusted. This allows the hopper to remain securely coupled for reliable operation while providing access points or adjustment mechanisms that maintain ease of operation for necessary manual interventions
4Reliability
If environmental controls are maintained within hopper, then powder quality is preserved, but device complexity increases due to additional sealing and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Environmental control functions are merged with the existing hopper structure and docking arrangement. Sealing mechanisms and atmospheric controls are integrated into the coupling system between hopper and machine, combining multiple functions into unified components rather than adding separate independent systems
Data Source
AI summary
A Docking Arrangement for an Additive Manufacturing Process An operating handle (50) for controlling the operational state of a valve arrangement (26) associated with a container (12) to control dispensing of material from the container (12) to a component of an additive manufacturing process. The operating handle (50) includes a rotatable shaft 56 which is coupled to the valve arrangement (26) and is rotatable between a plurality of angular positions corresponding one or more operational states of the valve arrangement (26). A lever (52) is operatively coupled to the shaft (56) and is configured to cause rotation of the shaft (56) between the plurality of angular positions upon rotation of the lever (52). The handle (50) is also rotatable under the operation of an actuator (40) provided as part of a docking arrangement (10) associated with the component.