Rack Assembly for 3D Construction Printer Height Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D construction printing technologies face challenges such as limited height due to lack of effective height management, difficulties in transporting cement concrete mortar, and simultaneous construction of water and electricity infrastructure, restricting the height of 3D printed buildings to one or two floors and complicating the construction process.
Innovation Solution
A rack assembly for a 3D construction printer featuring two rows of vertical supporting posts with longitudinal beams and guiding rails, allowing the printer to move horizontally and vertically, and a bridge crane system for material supply and height adjustment, enabling continuous printing across multiple floors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If 3D printing head rises as building height increases, then building height can be increased, but there is no good method to achieve height management, limiting current 3D printed buildings to one or two floors
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple longitudinal beams positioned at different heights (first height, second height, etc.), allowing the printing head to be supported at various elevation levels. This segmentation enables multi-floor construction by providing discrete support points throughout the building height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the support system by positioning longitudinal beams at different heights rather than only horizontal support. This three-dimensional arrangement of support beams enables height management across multiple floors, transitioning from two-dimensional to three-dimensional structural support.
2Ease of manufacture
If cement concrete mortar is used for 3D printing, then building construction can be achieved, but the mortar has even poorer ability to flow and is more difficult to transport compared to traditional cement concrete mortar
Solution Approach 1:
A bridge crane is introduced as an intermediary device to transport cement concrete mortar from the ground to the printing head at elevated positions. This mediator overcomes the transport difficulties by mechanically lifting and positioning the heavy, low-flowability mortar mixture where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or simple mechanical transport methods with a bridge crane system that uses engineered mechanical advantage and powered lifting mechanisms to efficiently move heavy mortar materials to heights that would be impractical with traditional transport methods.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional scaffold structure is used for exterior wall construction and decoration, then construction can be performed, but it complicates construction procedure, causes long construction time and creates heavy material wasting
Solution Approach 1:
The rack assembly with longitudinal beams serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the printing head, acts as a guide rail system for precise positioning, and serves as the framework for the building itself. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temporary scaffolding structures, reducing material waste and construction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent structural framework of the building incorporates the support beams as integral components that serve both as the building's structural element and as the construction support system. The structure builds itself by using its own framework components for both construction support and final structural purpose, eliminating wasted temporary structures.
Data Source
AI summary
The rack assembly of one 3D construction printer comprises two rows of vertical supporting posts anchored from the ground. Within each row of vertical supporting posts, between two neighboring vertical supporting posts, longitudinal beams are provided and extended along the length direction of the rack assembly, the longitudinal beams are configured to provide support and allow a cart carrying a 3D construction printer to move. On a top of the rack assembly, ring frame is provided, and on each of the longitudinal ends of the rows of vertical supporting beams, a cantilever extension end, being suspended, is connected to said rectangular ring frame. Further on the upper surface of a bottom longitudinal beam of the rectangular ring frame, guiding rails are provided in order for the cart carrying a crane to move along the longitudinal direction of the ring frame.