Robotic 3D Printing System with Dual-Axis Platform Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional 3D printing systems face limitations in printing larger, more complex, and flexible parts due to restricted movement ranges and the need for support materials, which hinder efficiency and precision.
Innovation Solution
A robotic 3D printing system comprising a first robot for holding and moving a platform and a second robot with a movable 3D printing head, controlled by a computing device with a CAD model, allowing for coordinated, independent, and semi-coordinated movements to enhance the range and dexterity of material deposition, eliminating the need for support materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional 3D printing systems use fixed printing heads and limited movement ranges, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to print larger and more complex parts is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the printing head movable through robotic manipulation instead of fixed. The second robot dynamically positions and moves the printing head to different locations, enabling the system to print larger and more complex parts that exceed the limitations of traditional fixed printing head systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces another dimension of movement by using a first robot to manipulate the platform in addition to the second robot moving the printing head. This dual-robot configuration adds dimensional freedom to the printing process, allowing complex geometries and larger part volumes to be achieved.
2Productivity
If traditional 3D printing systems use support materials for complex geometries, then structural stability is maintained, but printing time and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter from fixed printing head position to dynamically adjustable printing head position controlled by a second robot. This parameter change enables the printing head to access complex geometries directly without requiring support materials, thereby reducing material usage and printing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning capability of the second robot allows the printing head to reach difficult-to-access areas and print complex geometries directly, eliminating the need for support materials that would otherwise be required to maintain structural stability during printing.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional 3D printing systems use fixed printing heads, then the system is easy to operate, but precision and flexibility in material deposition are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through the robotic system's control architecture. The computing device receives data about the printing process and the positions of both robots, processes this information, and adjusts the printing head's position and movement in real-time to achieve precise material deposition according to the 3D model requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the first robot (manipulating the platform) and the second robot (manipulating the printing head). This intermediary control system integrates the movements of both robots and the printing process, managing the increased operational complexity while achieving high precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dual-robot systems are used for 3D printing with coordinated movements, then the range and dexterity of material deposition are enhanced, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device serves multiple functions: it stores the 3D model data, plans the printing process, controls the first robot's platform manipulation, controls the second robot's printing head manipulation, and coordinates all these functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality manages the system complexity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic coordination between the two robots where the first robot manipulates the platform and the second robot manipulates the printing head. This dynamic interaction between the two robotic systems enables versatile printing capabilities while the control system adapts to coordinate their movements efficiently.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic 3D printing system has a six degree of freedom (DOF) robot (12) that holds the platform (16) on which the 3D part (15) is built on. The system uses the dexterity of the 6 DOF robot to move and rotate the platform relative to the 3D printing head (18), which deposits the material on the platform. The system allows the part build in 3D directly with a simple printing head and depositing the material along the gravity direction. The 3D printing head is held by another robot (14) or robots. The robot movement can be calibrated to improve the accuracy and efficiency for high precision 3D part printing.