3D Printing Cart Motion Control via Segmented Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-station three-dimensional printing systems using LSM or LIM technology lack resilience to handle weight, speed, and load changes during various processing steps, leading to inaccurate motion at processing stations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a precision track section with lead screws and stepper motors at each processing station to mechanically engage and move the cart, allowing for accurate and resilient movement independent of the LSM or LIM motive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If LSM or LIM technology is used to move the cart along the track, then the cart can be moved quickly between processing stations, but the system lacks resilience and accuracy when handling weight, speed, and load changes during processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cart movement function into two independent segments: (1) LSM/LIM motors provide high-speed transport between processing stations, and (2) separate actuators at each station provide precise, resilient position control during processing. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary actuators at each processing station that act as a mediator between the high-speed LSM/LIM transport system and the substrate processing operations. These actuators compensate for load changes and provide the necessary motion resilience and accuracy during processing steps.
2Device complexity
If a single motive force system is used for cart movement, then the system structure is simpler, but the system cannot provide both high-speed transport and precise position control under varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The motive force system is segmented into two independent subsystems: the primary LSM/LIM system for high-speed transport and secondary actuators at each station for load-compensated precision control. This segmentation enables the system to handle various loads effectively while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The cart system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same cart can be rapidly transported by LSM/LIM between stations and then precisely controlled by station-specific actuators during processing. This universal design allows a single cart to handle diverse processing requirements with varying load conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the cart is moved solely by LSM or LIM force, then the system is easier to control, but the system lacks resilience against weight and load changes during processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
Actuators at each processing station serve as intermediaries that buffer and compensate for load changes between the LSM/LIM system and the substrate processing operations. These intermediaries maintain motion resilience and control accuracy without complicating the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by positioning actuators at each processing station that are pre-configured to compensate for expected load changes during processing steps. This prior cushioning ensures resilience against weight variations without requiring complex real-time control adjustments.
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
Enables precise and controlled movement of the cart during processing, enhancing resilience against load changes and optimizing motion for both inter-module and intra-module operations, improving the overall manufacturing efficiency and accuracy of three-dimensional objects.
Implementation Method 1
The cart is generally moved along the track by a motive force generated by a motor such as a linear synchronous motor (LSM) or a linear induction motor (LIM)
Implementation Method 2
at least one actuator operatively connected to the at least one guide and configured to move the cart along the track at the processing station without the motive force
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional object printing module has been developed. The printing module includes a first processing station configured to perform an operation. The printing module further includes a track configured to guide a cart moved by a motive force in a first direction to the first processing station and to guide the cart moved by the motive force in the first direction from the first processing station. The printing module further includes at least one lead screw disposed parallel to the first direction along the track at the first processing station and configured to engage the cart at the first processing station. The printing module further includes an actuator operatively connected to the at least one lead screw and configured to rotate the lead screw bi-directionally about a longitudinal axis of the lead screw to enable the cart to move along the track at the processing station without the motive force.