Powder Module Drive Device Segmentation for Additive Manufacturing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder modules for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects face challenges in achieving accurate and reliable movement of carrying devices over long distances, which is crucial for precise construction of three-dimensional objects using powdered construction materials.
Innovation Solution
A powder module with a drive device comprising two separate adjustment units, each with telescope-like adjustment elements, allows for synchronized or asynchronous movement between end positions, enabling accurate and reliable control of the carrying device over extended distances up to 1,050 mm, while maintaining a compact design suitable for integration into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single adjustment unit is used to move the carrying device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of movement over long distances deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device is divided into two separate adjustment units (6a, 6b) that operate in parallel. Each adjustment unit independently controls the position of the carrying device (4) relative to the powder chamber (2). This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for precision while distributing the mechanical load, thereby maintaining high manufacturing precision over long travel distances without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If the carrying device travels long distances (above 500 mm), then the productivity and construction capability are improved, but the reliability of movement control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the drive function into two separate adjustment units, each unit handles a portion of the travel distance and load. This segmentation improves reliability by ensuring that if one unit experiences issues, the other can maintain control, and by reducing the mechanical stress on each individual unit during long travel distances (up to 1,050 mm).
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment units are designed with telescope-like adjustment elements that can extend and retract, changing their physical parameters (length, position) dynamically. This allows the carrying device to achieve long travel distances while maintaining precise control through synchronized operation of the two units, thereby improving both productivity and reliability.
3Device complexity
If the adjustment elements are made telescope-like for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment elements (7a, 7b) are designed with a telescope-like structure where one element is nested within another. This nesting allows the adjustment elements to achieve extended travel distances in a compact form factor when retracted, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability for precise positioning through controlled extension and retraction of the nested elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescope-like adjustment elements are designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable, allowing the system to adapt its physical configuration based on operational needs. This dynamic capability enables compact storage when not in use while providing full travel distance when required, maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled movement of the adjustable elements.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a powder module (1) for an apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, comprising:a powder chamber (2) limiting a powder room (3) that can be filled with powdered construction material, a carrying device (4) arranged in the powder room (3), limiting the powder room (3) at the bottom and movably supported relative to the powder chamber (2), and a drive device (5) for generating a force setting the carrying device (4) in motion relative to the powder chamber (2), wherein the drive device (5) comprises at least two separate adjustment units (6a, 6b), that especially are coupled for movement, with at least one, especially cylindrical, adjustment element (7a, 7b), wherein each adjustment element (7a, 7b) is movably supported relative to a respective housing element (8a, 8b) of the respective adjustment unit (6a, 6b) between a first end position and a second end position.