Rotating Lid Assembly for 3D Printing Build Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D printing processes often face challenges in safely storing and transporting build modules containing reactive materials, as they can react violently with ambient atmospheres, posing risks to users and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly that can be stored vertically within the processing chamber, maneuverable from vertical to horizontal positions, and equipped with a sealing mechanism to maintain a controlled internal atmosphere, preventing exposure to reactive agents and ensuring user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid assembly is stored horizontally in the processing chamber, then it can be easily accessed and operated, but it occupies excessive space within the chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is designed to rotate from a horizontal position to a vertical position, utilizing the vertical dimension of the processing chamber. This dimensional transition allows the lid to be stored vertically when not in use, freeing up horizontal space within the chamber while maintaining accessibility through rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows it to dynamically change its orientation between horizontal (operational) and vertical (storage) positions. This dynamic capability enables the lid to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, optimizing both accessibility and space utilization.
2Ease of operation
If the build module is opened to access the build platform, then materials and objects can be loaded/unloaded, but the reactive materials are exposed to ambient atmosphere causing harmful reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The build platform is designed to be extractable from the build module as a separate component. This allows the build platform containing reactive materials to be removed and transferred to a controlled atmosphere environment outside the module, thereby isolating the reactive materials from the ambient atmosphere during loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer mechanism or intermediary system is provided that enables the build platform to be moved from the build module to an external controlled atmosphere chamber without direct exposure to ambient air. This intermediary system acts as a barrier that prevents harmful reactions while facilitating material transfer.
3Reliability
If the processing chamber environment is maintained for storage, then user safety is protected, but the lid assembly cannot be stored compactly
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly utilizes the vertical dimension of the processing chamber for storage by rotating to a vertical position. This allows the lid to be stored in a compact manner within the chamber's vertical space while maintaining the chamber's controlled atmosphere, thereby protecting user safety without requiring excessive storage volume.
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 solution allows for safe storage and transportation of build modules by maintaining a controlled internal environment, reducing the risk of reactions with ambient atmospheres and protecting both the user and the materials during 3D printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a seal between the locking plate and the lid base plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a lid assembly, a maneuvering mechanism for the lid assembly, and a casing configured facilitate storing the lid assembly and the maneuvering mechanism, e.g., in a chamber having an isolated environment. The maneuvering mechanism may facilitate maneuvering the lid assembly in the isolated environment. The lid assembly may be configured to maintain in a build module an isolated environment. The present disclosure provides systems, devices, apparatuses, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media, associated with the lid assembly, the maneuvering mechanism, the casing, and with three dimensional printing.