Resin Vat Level Detection via Printing Platform Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-curing additive manufacturing apparatuses lack an effective method to accurately measure remaining printing material in the resin vat, leading to inefficiencies and potential printing interruptions due to insufficient material detection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a movable printing platform that obtains force measurement values during movement towards the resin vat, determining a target position based on preset conditions, and calculating the remaining material, utilizing existing printer structures to simplify the measurement process and reduce complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measurement device is added to accurately measure remaining printing material, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing platform performs dual functions: it serves as both the printing component and the measurement component. By utilizing the existing moving platform to detect remaining material through force sensing during its normal movement, the system eliminates the need for separate measurement devices, thereby improving measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The printing platform is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as the printing platform for additive manufacturing and simultaneously serves as a measurement probe for detecting remaining printing material. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by using an existing component for measurement purposes without adding dedicated measurement equipment
2Measurement precision
If a complex measurement device is used to accurately determine remaining printing material, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs measurement during the printing process without requiring manual intervention. The printing platform autonomously detects remaining material levels through force sensing, and the control system automatically processes the data, eliminating complex manual measurement operations while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback control where the force measurement data from the printing platform is continuously monitored and processed by the control system. The control system automatically determines whether remaining material is sufficient and can trigger replenishment actions, simplifying operation while maintaining measurement precision
3Productivity
If remaining printing material is not monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to printing interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The printing platform autonomously monitors remaining material levels during printing operations through force sensing. This self-monitoring capability enables timely detection of material depletion, allowing for proactive replenishment and preventing printing interruptions, thereby improving productivity without adding complex external monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of remaining material levels during the printing process to predict when material will be depleted. By detecting remaining material in advance before complete depletion occurs, the system enables timely replenishment actions, preventing printing interruptions and maintaining high productivity
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
This approach allows for accurate determination of remaining printing material, preventing delays and interruptions by ensuring timely replenishment, enhancing printing efficiency and reducing system complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a first measurement value for representing a force on the printing platform during the movement of the printing platform towards the resin vat
Data Source
AI summary
A remaining printing material measurement method, and an additive manufacturing apparatus are provided. The remaining printing material measurement method is applied to the additive manufacturing apparatus. The measurement method allows for determining whether the remaining printing material in a resin vat is enough to complete the printing of a model to be printed before printing or during printing, which is beneficial to promote a user to add the printing material when the printing material in the resin vat is insufficient, so as to avoid printing delay or interruption caused by not adding printing materials in time and greatly increase the operation efficiency.