Rotating Modeling Head for Continuous Stereolithography

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stereolithographic machines require manual intervention for object detachment, cleaning, and surface changes, leading to increased production breaks, labor costs, and reduced productivity due to the need for operator attendance and manual handling.

Innovation Solution

A stereolithographic machine with a 360° rotating modeling head featuring multiple working surfaces, such as an equilateral triangle shape, allowing continuous production without stopping, enabling automatic resin drainage and reducing the need for manual cleaning and surface replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single working surface is used on the modeling head, then the structure is simple, but manual intervention is required for detachment and cleaning after each object, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidmodeling head structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modeling head is divided into multiple working surfaces (at least two surfaces) that can be independently used. After one surface completes an object, the system automatically switches to another surface for the next object, eliminating the need for manual detachment and cleaning operations between productions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modeling head is designed with multiple working surfaces that can each serve as an active working area. This multi-functionality allows the system to continue production on one surface while another surface is being prepared or is already in use, thereby improving overall productivity without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If manual detachment and cleaning operations are performed after each object, then the working surface can be reused, but production breaks increase and labor costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous production capabilityVSAvoidworking breaks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system ensures continuous production by having multiple working surfaces available. When one surface completes an object, the system automatically transitions to another surface without interrupting the production flow. This eliminates working breaks and maintains continuous useful action throughout the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

While one working surface is being used for active production, other surfaces are prepared in advance for the next objects. This preliminary preparation of alternative surfaces ensures that when a surface completes its current object, another ready surface is immediately available, preventing production breaks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If operator attendance is required for surface changes, then working surfaces can be replaced, but labor costs and production interruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidmanual handling requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic surface switching without requiring operator intervention. The control system monitors the production status of each working surface and automatically transitions to the next available surface when one completes an object, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate manual handling requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of detaching objects and changing surfaces is replaced by an automated control system that manages multiple working surfaces. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with an automated control system increases productivity and eliminates the need for operator attendance during surface changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution optimizes production by minimizing working breaks, reducing labor and costs, and enabling continuous operation, as the machine can switch to other working surfaces automatically, enhancing overall productivity and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a light source, generally a laser emitter or a projector, able to selectively irradiate the layer of the liquid resin which is nearby the bottom of the container, so as to solidify said layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3174693B1Stereolithographic machine with high productivity

Publication Date: 2017.11.08 SISMA SPA

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AI summary

A stereolithographic machine (10) for making three-dimensional objects (21) in layers, comprising a vessel (13) containing a fluid or powder which is solidified through exposure to a defined radiation, means for emitting said radiation which are configured to irradiate selectively one layer of predefined thickness of the fluid or powder, which is placed adjacent to the bottom (15) of the vessel (13), and a rotating modeling head (20) which has a plurality of working surfaces (22), which lie on respective different planes, provided with grooves (25), in order to allow short machining times.