Removable Image Capture for Off-Site 3D Printer Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image-capture systems for additive manufacturing apparatuses are dependent on the apparatus for image acquisition, limiting flexibility and requiring specific calibration plates, and illumination methods need improvement.

Innovation Solution

A removable image-capture apparatus with backlighting and a calibration kit that includes a calibration plate with etching layers for forming reference and test markings, allowing off-site image capture and improved illumination, and a calculation device for aiming-command corrections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If image acquisition is performed within the additive manufacturing apparatus using integrated control equipment, then the apparatus can perform calibration, but the user is entirely dependent on the apparatus and cannot perform off-site calibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration location flexibilityVSAvoidintegration with apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system is segmented into a portable image-capture apparatus that can be separated from the additive manufacturing apparatus. The calibration plate is also made removable, allowing the calibration process to be performed outside the main apparatus. This segmentation enables off-site calibration while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The image-capture apparatus is extracted from the additive manufacturing apparatus as a separate, portable unit. The calibration plate is also extracted as a removable component. This extraction allows the calibration function to be performed independently of the main apparatus, providing location flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Illumination intensity

If illumination is provided from above by the control equipment, then image acquisition is possible, but the image quality and illumination effectiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination qualityVSAvoidillumination system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of illuminating the calibration plate from above, the invention inverts the illumination direction by providing backlighting from below. This backlighting approach significantly improves image quality by creating better contrast and visibility of the calibration markings, making image acquisition more effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed calibration plate is provided within the apparatus, then calibration can be performed, but the system lacks adaptability to different calibration plates and locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration plate compatibilityVSAvoidcalibration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The image-capture apparatus is designed with universal compatibility to work with different calibration plates that have specific identification features. The apparatus can identify and adapt to various calibration plate types, maintaining calibration accuracy across different configurations and locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 off-site calibration of additive manufacturing systems with better image quality and precision, reducing dependence on the apparatus and enhancing calibration accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

at least one source of backlighting visible light situated beneath the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBacklighting: Light

Implementation Method 2

the at least one etching layer to be etched by a powerful incident-radiation beam being able to be destroyed locally by the powerful incident-radiation beam in order to optionally form the at least one test marking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12528124B2Removable image-capture apparatus, kit and method for calibrating an additive manufacturing apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 ADDUP

AI summary

A removable image-capture apparatus (200) comprises an opening (202) intended to receive a calibration plate (10) bearing a reference marking (30) and possibly a test marking (40). The apparatus (200) comprises a source (204) of backlighting visible light situated beneath the opening (202), a sensor (205) for acquiring an image, in the backlighting visible light, of the plate (10), a guiding and supporting device (206) for positioning the sensor (205) above the opening (202) relative to the surround (201), a calculation device (207) configured to analyze the image, recognize the marking (30) and possibly the marking (40) in the image, and calculate aiming-command corrections intended for a firing system firing a powerful incident-radiation beam, which system belongs to an additive manufacturing apparatus, distinct and separate from the apparatus (200).