Rotating Additive Manufacturing Structure for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional additive manufacturing machines are large, difficult to move, and occupy significant space, making them inefficient for transportation and storage when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows the print head of an additive manufacturing machine to be rotated along a vertical axis, enabling it to assume a folded or upright position, utilizing a hub with an arched surface and notches, and a tensioning member to secure the structure in either position, facilitating compact movement and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the additive manufacturing machine is made large to ensure operational functionality, then the machine can perform manufacturing tasks effectively, but the machine becomes difficult to move and occupies significant space during transport and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the structure rotatable between upright and folded positions. The structure can dynamically change its configuration - standing upright during operation to provide full manufacturing functionality, and folding down during transport or storage to minimize space occupancy. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between operational functionality and space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the machine into a base and a rotatable structure that can be independently positioned. The structure containing the print head and other components can be separated spatially from the base during folding, allowing the machine to occupy minimal space while maintaining complete functionality when assembled in the upright position.
2Ease of operation
If the additive manufacturing machine is made large to ensure operational functionality, then the machine can perform manufacturing tasks effectively, but the machine requires substantial manpower or resources to move
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling the structure to rotate and fold, the patent reduces the weight that needs to be moved during transport. Instead of moving the entire expanded machine structure, only the compact folded configuration needs to be transported, significantly reducing the manpower and resources required for movement while maintaining full operational functionality when deployed.
3Ease of operation
If the additive manufacturing machine is made large to ensure operational functionality, then the machine can perform manufacturing tasks effectively, but the machine is subject to damage during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable structure can be folded down to a compact position during transport, protecting the print head and other sensitive components from damage. When not in use or during transportation, the structure assumes a protected folded state, eliminating exposure to external damage risks while maintaining full operational functionality when upright.
4Area of stationary object
If the structure is rotated to a folded position for compact storage, then space occupancy is reduced, but the mechanism requires complex components like hub, arched surface, and notches to maintain stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an arched surface on the hub that interacts with a curved second member to enable rotation. The curved geometry of the arched surface and corresponding notches provides a simple yet effective mechanism for achieving compact folding while maintaining structural stability. This curved design is more efficient than straight-line mechanisms for achieving the same folding function with fewer components.
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 the additive manufacturing machine to be made more compact for transportation and storage, reducing space occupancy and potential damage, while maintaining operational functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The second member is pressed against the first member by a tensioning member
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for rotating a structure to assume a folded position or an upright position. The structure enables movement of a print head of an additive manufacturing machine along a vertical axis. The system comprises a hub and a second member. The hub comprises a first member defining an arched surface and a plurality of notches. The second member is pressed against the first member by a tensioning member. The hub is operable to be rotated to assume the upright position or the folded position of the structure. Rotation of the hub results in at least a portion of the arched surface to slide against the second member, which is enabled by retraction of the second member. The second member is received by one of the plurality of notches to retain the structure in the folded position or the upright position.