Rotatable Multi-Function Powder Container for Additive Manufacturing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing additive manufacturing processes require multiple types of powder containers for different stages of the process, including source, recycled, overflow, and disposal containers, leading to inefficiencies and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A single powder container design with a rotatable vessel, integrated sensors, actuators, and a multi-port connector for versatile powder handling, enabling efficient storage, transportation, and monitoring of powders, reducing the need for multiple containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple types of powder containers are used for different stages of the process (source, recycled, overflow, disposal), then the functionality and safety of the additive manufacturing process is improved, but the device complexity and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess safetyVSAvoidcontainer system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single powder container that can perform multiple functions: storing fresh powder, receiving recycled powder, collecting overflow powder, and disposing of waste powder. The container includes multiple compartments or chambers that can be selectively activated through control mechanisms, allowing one container to replace four separate specialized containers, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining process safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of powder containers are used for different stages of the process, then the functionality is improved, but the operational efficiency and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepowder handling capabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The container system integrates multiple powder handling capabilities into a single versatile unit with compartments for different powder types and stages. This eliminates the need to manually transfer powder between multiple separate containers, reducing operational steps and time losses while maintaining the ability to handle fresh, recycled, overflow, and waste powder separately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of four separate powder containers into one integrated container system. By combining storage, recycling, overflow collection, and disposal functions into a single unit, the system reduces the number of operational movements required and improves overall productivity while maintaining adaptability for different powder handling requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single powder container design is used for all powder stages, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle different powder conditions and stages deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer system complexityVSAvoidpowder stage differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single powder container is segmented into multiple compartments or chambers that can be physically separated or independently controlled. This segmentation allows different powder stages (fresh, recycled, overflow, waste) to be stored separately within one container, maintaining the ability to handle different powder conditions while reducing overall system complexity compared to multiple separate containers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple powder containers are used, then the ability to handle different powder stages is improved, but the mechanical conveyance needs and operational time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepowder stage handlingVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple powder handling functions into a single container system with internal compartments, the patent eliminates the need for frequent mechanical conveyance between separate containers. Powder can be transferred within the same container using internal mechanisms, reducing operational time and minimizing losses associated with repeated handling and transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250249511A1Powder container for an additive manufacturing process

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 NIKON SLM SOLUTIONS AG

AI summary

A powder container for handling powder in an additive manufacturing process. The container includes a powder vessel with a powder inlet in an upper portion thereof and a powder outlet in a lower portion thereof, a set of n sensors configured to determine a set of n observables, a first actuator configured to drive a first mechanical function of the powder container and optionally—to provide for additional safety as well as versatility a second actuator configured to drive a second mechanical function of the powder container and/or a multi-port connector configured to be connected with a corresponding connector of a powder handling station in an additive manufacturing process.