3D Printer Model Server with Automatic Slicing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional printing technologies require significant user intervention and processing to convert abstract representations of objects into machine-ready instructions, which can be time-consuming and dependent on specific printer parameters, leading to inefficiencies and user experimentation.

Innovation Solution

A server is configured to store machine-ready models for various three-dimensional printers, automatically determining the printer type and selecting the appropriate model for immediate fabrication, reducing the need for user intervention and optimizing the printing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If abstract descriptive formats (CAD/STL) are used to represent three-dimensional objects, then the representation is compact and universal, but additional processing is required to render machine-ready instructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversality of formatVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs preliminary slicing and generation of machine-ready instructions for multiple printer types when the 3D model is uploaded. This pre-processing creates printer-specific versions in advance, eliminating the need for users to perform complex slicing operations themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary between the abstract 3D model and the specific 3D printer. It receives the universal format model, automatically processes it for the specific printer type, and delivers optimized machine-ready instructions, shielding users from technical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If slicing is performed manually with user-selected parameters, then the process can be customized for different printers, but the process becomes very processing intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter customizationVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic slicing and parameter optimization without requiring user intervention. The server detects the printer type and automatically selects appropriate slicing parameters, eliminating the manual, time-consuming process while maintaining optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual slicing operations are replaced by automated server-side processing. The mechanical interaction of users adjusting parameters is substituted with algorithmic automatic detection and parameter selection based on printer characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If parameter optimization is performed for each printer type, then printing quality is improved, but significant user experimentation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint qualityVSAvoiduser effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where printing results are analyzed and used to refine parameter selections. Successful print parameters are learned and stored, improving automatic parameter selection for future prints without requiring users to conduct their own experimentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Optimal printing parameters are determined and stored in advance for each printer type through automated analysis and testing. When a user requests printing, these pre-determined parameters are automatically applied, eliminating the need for users to perform their own parameter optimization experiments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Extent of automation

If multiple machine-ready models are stored for different printers, then the system can automatically select the appropriate model, but the storage requirements and data management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic printer selectionVSAvoiddata storage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The server implements a universal processing framework that can handle multiple printer types through a single interface. Rather than storing completely separate model sets, the system uses one universal model with automated adaptation capabilities that generate printer-specific instructions on-demand or cache efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system stores a hierarchical structure where a universal 3D model contains nested printer-specific variations. The base model serves multiple printers, with printer-specific modifications nested within or derived from the universal representation, reducing redundant data storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10150248B2Downloadable three-dimensional models

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 STRATASYS INC

AI summary

A server is configured to store a number of different models of an object in machine-ready form corresponding to a number of different three-dimensional printers having differing capabilities and/or hardware configurations. When a user at a client device or a printer requests the object, the server automatically determines a printer type and selects a suitable, corresponding machine-ready model for immediate fabrication by the printer.