Prismatic Guide Vertical Translation Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder-based additive manufacturing machines face issues with precise guidance of the build plate during vertical translation, leading to potential jamming, stress on actuation arms, and limited stroke, especially when handling heavy loads or large parts, and require complex and prone-to-contamination lubrication systems.
Innovation Solution
A machine design featuring a device for vertical translation of the support plate using prismatic guide elements within a tubular column and coaxial tube arrangement, providing stable guidance and stress distribution while minimizing bulk and deformation, and incorporating a sealed bellows to prevent powder contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sliding piston assemblies are used in cylinders for vertical translation, then the build plate can be moved, but the pistons are at risk of jamming or seizure and require complex lubrication systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional sliding piston-cylinder mechanical system with a prismatic guide element system. The prismatic guide elements on the column and tube provide guidance through geometric constraint rather than sliding contact, eliminating the need for pistons, cylinders, and lubrication systems while improving reliability and reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The prismatic guide elements act as intermediaries between the column and the tube, providing guidance and constraint without direct sliding contact. The geometric shape of the prismatic elements mediates the interaction, allowing vertical translation while preventing lateral movement without requiring complex mechanical joints
2Ease of operation
If cantilevered actuation of the plate is used, then the build plate can be moved vertically, but strong stresses are applied to the actuation arm during powder compression or large part manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a cantilevered actuation arm that extends outward to move the plate, the patent inverts the approach by using vertical prismatic guide elements on the column that directly constrain and guide the tube's movement. The guidance is provided from the support structure upward rather than from a lateral arm, eliminating bending stresses on actuation components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from lateral/cantilevered actuation to vertical guidance. The prismatic guide elements provide constraint in the vertical dimension while allowing controlled movement in the same dimension, rather than using lateral arms that must resist bending moments
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed bellows is added to prevent powder contamination, then the guidance system remains clean, but the overall device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from a separate bellows component and integrates it into the prismatic guide element interface itself. The geometric fit between the prismatic elements provides both guidance and sealing, eliminating the need for an additional bellows component and reducing overall device bulk
Data Source
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AI summary
Machine for additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object by sintering or melting powder using an energy beam acting on a powder layer in a working zone, comprising a device (30) for moving a supporting plate vertically in translation inside a manufacturing casing mounted on the chassis of said machine, said device comprising: a column (39) mounted on said chassis, inside of which column a cylinder (31) is arranged, said cylinder comprising a body securely fastened to said column and a movable rod connected to said plate; and means (90) for guiding the movable rod of said cylinder (31). According to the invention, said guiding means (90) comprise prismatic guiding elements located on said column (39) and on a tube (38) arranged coaxially with the latter and which moves with the movable rod of said cylinder (31).