Printed Manipulation Points for Robotic Reorientation of AM Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing systems face challenges in improving throughput and flexibility in manipulating and repositioning parts, especially those with complex geometries, due to limitations in automated manipulation technologies.
Innovation Solution
The integration of additively manufactured manipulation points, such as structures like sprues, lips, and notches, allows for precise robotic manipulation, combined with optical or imaging sensors to identify guide marks, and the use of automated manipulators to engage these points, enabling reorientation and movement of parts within the powder chamber or to other processing areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated manipulators are used to handle parts, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise manipulation of complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The part is segmented by adding discrete manipulation points (sprues, lips, notches) that can be independently engaged by manipulators. These manipulation points are separate features added to the part geometry, allowing the manipulator to interact with specific locations without needing to grasp the entire complex part structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Manipulation points act as intermediaries between the manipulator and the part. Instead of the manipulator directly grasping the complex part geometry, it engages these simplified intermediary features that are specifically designed for manipulation, reducing the complexity requirements of the manipulator system.
2Ease of operation
If manipulation points are added to parts, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation points have specific local geometric qualities (size, shape, position) that are optimized for manipulator engagement. These local features are designed with precise dimensions and tolerances specifically at the manipulation point locations, while the rest of the part geometry maintains its own functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation points are pre-planned and pre-positioned during the part design and manufacturing process. Their locations and geometries are determined in advance based on the manipulator requirements, allowing for precise manufacturing at these specific locations before the manipulation operation occurs.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors and guide marks are used for manipulation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Guide marks serve as simplified copies or references of the manipulation points and part features. These marks are printed or marked on the part to indicate the location and orientation of manipulation points, providing visual information to optical sensors without requiring complex direct measurement of the three-dimensional part geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulator device such as a robot arm that is capable of increasing manufacturing throughput for additively manufactured parts, and allows for the manipulation of parts that would be difficult or impossible for a human to move is described. The manipulator can grasp various permanent or temporary additively manufactured manipulation points on a part to enable repositioning or maneuvering of the part.