Rotating Stage 3D Modeling Apparatus for High-Precision Rapid Fabrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modeling apparatuses face challenges in productivity and accuracy, requiring extended time to form modeled objects and lacking the capability to produce highly accurate structures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modeling apparatus with a stage, irradiation unit, moving mechanism, and stage-rotating mechanism that allows for selective energy ray irradiation, relative movement, and rotation to enhance productivity and accuracy, along with the use of a light-emitting array and post-curing processing to achieve high precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional optical modeling method with laser light is used, then modeling accuracy can be achieved, but the time necessary to form the modeled object becomes long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the modeling process into distinct functional units: material supply system, irradiation system, stage rotation mechanism, and uncured material removal system. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently and efficiently, reducing overall processing time while maintaining precision through coordinated operation of these specialized subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the material supply system and irradiation paths before modeling begins. The stage rotation mechanism is pre-configured to rotate through optimal angles, and the uncured material removal system is prepared in advance, allowing the actual modeling process to proceed without delays for setup or repositioning
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional two-axis scanning printing method is used, then complete layer-by-layer modeling can be achieved, but the modeling time is extended due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational dimension by implementing stage rotation mechanism that spins the stage during material deposition and irradiation. This transforms the traditional two-axis (X-Y) scanning approach into a three-dimensional operation (X-Y-Z plus rotation), enabling simultaneous deposition around the entire circumference of the modeled object rather than sequential layer-by-layer scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action by maintaining constant material supply and continuous irradiation during stage rotation. The material supply system operates continuously to deposit material around the rotating stage, and the irradiation system continuously cures the material as it passes through the irradiation path, eliminating idle time between scanning movements
3Reliability
If cleaning liquid is used to flush uncured material, then uncured material can be removed, but the process time is increased compared to centrifugal removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical/liquid-based removal system (cleaning liquid flushing) with a mechanical removal system using centrifugal force. The stage rotation mechanism generates centrifugal force that mechanically ejects uncured material from the modeled object surface, substituting the liquid flushing process with a purely mechanical ejection process that is faster and eliminates liquid handling time
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 approach significantly reduces the time needed to form modeled objects while enabling the creation of highly accurate structures by utilizing centrifugal force for uncured material removal and precise energy exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The irradiation unit selectively irradiates a region of material supplied onto the stage, with an energy ray
Implementation Method 2
The stage-rotating mechanism rotates the stage. The moving mechanism makes laminated molding possible and the rotation of the stage can spin off and remove an uncured material due to a centrifugal force
Data Source
AI summary
A modeling apparatus includes a stage, an irradiation unit, a moving mechanism, and a stage-rotating mechanism. The irradiation unit selectively irradiates a region of a material supplied onto the stage, with an energy ray. The moving mechanism relatively moves, at least in a stacking direction of the material, the stage and the irradiation unit. The stage-rotating mechanism rotates the stage.