Powder Module Flow Channel Structure for Additive Manufacturing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder modules for additive manufacturing require high flow capacities to remove powdered construction material, leading to inefficiencies due to structural design issues that result in material leakage and flow rate challenges.
Innovation Solution
A powder module design featuring a ring-shaped, self-contained flow channel structure with a guide element and cover element, allowing for laminar flow and reduced flow capacities, which includes a movable guide element to control material entry into the flow channel and minimize leakage, and a cover element to further reduce the opening aperture and enhance sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional receiving container design is used, then material removal is achieved, but very high flow capacities are required leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving container is divided into an upper receiving section and a lower discharge section separated by a partition wall. This segmentation allows the upper section to collect material from the gap while the lower section handles discharge, optimizing the flow path and reducing the flow capacity required for efficient material removal.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the gap and the receiving container. This guide element directs material flow into the receiving section, preventing material accumulation in the gap and ensuring smooth transfer to the discharge section, thereby improving removal efficiency without increasing flow capacity requirements.
2Ease of operation
If gap between powder chamber wall and carrying device is maintained, then material can enter receiving section, but material accumulation and leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element acts as an intermediary that channels material from the gap into the receiving section through a controlled path. This prevents material from accumulating in the gap or leaking improperly, while still allowing continuous material flow into the receiving section for subsequent discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element is positioned specifically at the critical location where material transitions from the gap to the receiving section. By providing localized guidance only where needed, the solution addresses material accumulation and leakage issues without requiring changes to the entire powder chamber structure.
3Productivity
If opening aperture of flow channel is enlarged, then material flow is improved, but material leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is segmented into a receiving section with a larger opening aperture for efficient material flow and a discharge section with controlled opening for regulated material release. The partition wall separates these functions, allowing the receiving section to accept material at high rate while the discharge section prevents leakage through controlled discharge.
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
The design achieves efficient removal of construction material with lower flow capacities, preventing material accumulation and ensuring effective flow through the channel, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the additive manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The flow channel structure is configured in terms of a preferably optimum ability to flow through with a flow fluid, typically a gas, e.g. air. In said structure a (widely) laminar flow can be formed.
Data Source
AI summary
A powder module for an apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, comprising a powder chamber limiting a powder room that can be filled with powdered construction material and a carrying device arranged in the powder room and limiting the powder room at the bottom, wherein between at least one powder chamber wall limiting the powder room and the carrying device a gap extending at least partially along the powder chamber wall limiting the powder room is formed, through which powdered construction material from the powder room can enter a powder module section lying below the carrying device, wherein the gap opens out into a receiving section of a receiving element arranged or formed on the powder chamber, wherein the receiving section is formed as or comprises an especially ring-shaped circumferential flow channel structure provided for receiving construction material from the gap.