Rotating Cylindrical Surface 3D Printing for Reduced Inertial Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid prototyping methods using x-y-z coordinate systems require frequent changes in direction, leading to high acceleration needs, expensive motors, and increased inertial forces, which complicates the construction of solid objects and results in inefficiencies and potential material leakage.
Innovation Solution
A device employing a rotatable surface with an applicator that moves in a single direction or continuously rotates, reducing the need for rapid direction changes, using a cylindrical platform to apply material with minimal acceleration, and orienting the applicator to eject material horizontally or upwardly to prevent leakage, allowing for more complex object creation with reduced mechanical complexity and increased precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If frequent changes in direction are used to complete the solid object faster, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring powerful motors to handle high acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spherical coordinates (r, θ, φ) instead of Cartesian coordinates to define the deposition path. The platform rotates continuously in one direction while the applicator moves radially and angularly, eliminating the need for frequent direction reversals. This curved coordinate system naturally suits rotational motion, allowing high-speed construction without requiring powerful motors for acceleration and deceleration.
2Productivity
If frequent changes in direction are implemented to increase construction speed, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to material leakage during direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The platform performs continuous unidirectional rotation throughout the construction process, eliminating stop-and-go motion and direction reversals. Material is deposited continuously as the platform rotates, ensuring consistent material placement without interruption or leakage. This continuous action maintains both high construction speed and precise material positioning.
3Productivity
If high acceleration is used to complete construction faster, then productivity is improved, but loss of substance increases due to material leakage during rapid direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
By using spherical coordinates and continuous rotational motion, the system eliminates the high acceleration and deceleration phases inherent in rectilinear scanning. Material is deposited at constant or smoothly varying speeds during continuous rotation, preventing material leakage and waste while maintaining high construction throughput.
4Manufacturing precision
If rectilinear scanning with frequent direction changes is used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to periods when material cannot be applied during direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous rotational motion allows material deposition to proceed without interruption. Unlike rectilinear scanning where the platform must stop and reverse direction (creating idle time), the rotating platform maintains constant motion, enabling uninterrupted material application and maximizing construction speed while preserving precision through controlled radial and angular positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A 3D printing device (100) adapted to make a solid object (111 A). The device (100) has a cylindrical surface ( 104) rotatable around an axis (122) of rotation, and an applicator (101) adapted to apply over at least one portion of the surface (104) a material (120) used to make the solid object. The applicator (101) and the surface (104) are displaceable relative to each other in a direction transverse to the axis (122). Disclosed herein are also methods (600, 700) of determining instructions for the device (100).