Resin Vessel Latching for Precise 3D Print Engine Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereolithography systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently assembling and disassembling components to maintain a consistent optical path, affecting the reliability and productivity of 3D printing processes.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional printing system with a vertical support, support plate, resin vessel, and interface mechanism featuring latches and a movable plate that engage latch features on the resin vessel, allowing for controlled downward forces to secure the vessel and maintain optical path consistency, facilitating quick assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual assembly and disassembly of resin vessel is used, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning accuracy and optical path consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interface mechanism with latches as an intermediary between the resin vessel and support plate. This mediator automatically positions and secures the resin vessel when the movable plate is actuated, eliminating the need for manual positioning while ensuring consistent optical path alignment through precise mechanical engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface mechanism enables self-positioning and self-latching of the resin vessel. When the movable plate is moved to the latched position, the latches automatically engage with the resin vessel, providing both positioning and securing functions without requiring external manual intervention, thus maintaining both ease of operation and positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If secure latching of resin vessel is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated interface mechanism. The movable plate simultaneously controls both latches, and each latch structure integrates the latch arm, spring, and engagement features into one compact unit. This merging approach achieves reliable securing of the resin vessel while minimizing the overall complexity by reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps.
3Productivity
If quick assembly and disassembly is enabled, then productivity is improved, but positioning consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface mechanism acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of speed and precision. The pre-configured latch structures and movable plate design enable rapid engagement and disengagement while the precise mechanical geometry of the latches ensures that each engagement automatically achieves the correct positioning, maintaining optical path consistency regardless of assembly speed.
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
The system enhances the reliability and accuracy of the 3D printing process by ensuring consistent optical path alignment and efficient component handling, thereby improving productivity and reducing dimensional variations.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of latches include hooks for exerting downward forces upon the latch features
Implementation Method 2
A torsion spring rotatably biases each latch away from engagement with the latch feature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A three dimensional printing system (2) includes a vertical support (4), a support plate (10), a resin vessel (20), and an interface mechanism (64). The support plate extends away from the vertical support along a first lateral axis from a proximal end (12) to a distal end (14). The resin vessel is disposed above the support plate and includes a pair of latch features (74) disposed at opposing ends of the resin vessel relative to a second lateral axis. The interface mechanism includes a pair of latches (78) and a movable plate (80). The pair of latches are disposed adjacently to the opposed ends of the resin vessel. The movable plate is configured to engage the pair of latches with a single downward movement of the movable plate. In response to the engagement by the movable plate, the latches engage the latch features of the resin vessel.