Rotational Latch Assembly for Powder-Clearing Build Tray Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual and time-consuming process of decaking in additive manufacturing, where unfused build material is semi-permanently adhered to 3D objects, complicates the transportation and post-processing of these objects, and existing systems face challenges with securing build trays due to clogging with build material.

Innovation Solution

A build material volume transportation device with a rotating latch assembly that includes a shuttle, a detachable build tray, and a latch assembly with a piston and interchangeable tips to secure and clear the build tray from unfused powder, enabling secure attachment and automation of post-processing operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual decaking is used to remove unfused build material, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the operation is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of equipmentVSAvoidtime for decaking operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical decaking operations with an automated pneumatic system. Compressed air is directed through nozzles to blow unfused powder off the built object, eliminating the need for manual scraping or picking while significantly reducing the time required for the decaking operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses compressed air (pneumatics) to remove unfused build material. Air nozzles are positioned to direct high-velocity air streams across the build platform, effectively blowing powder off the object. This pneumatic approach automates the decaking process while keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If build trays are secured during transportation, then the build material volume is securely held, but the latch mechanism can become clogged with build material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of build tray attachmentVSAvoidclogging of latch mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the latch mechanism from the main build tray structure, positioning it on the transportation shuttle rather than integrated into the tray itself. This separation allows the latch to be accessed and cleared independently, and the pneumatic decaking system can blow powder away from the latch mechanism to prevent clogging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces compressed air as an intermediary substance to prevent build material from reaching the latch mechanism. The pneumatic system directs air flows that clear powder from around the latch components, acting as a protective mediator that prevents clogging while allowing the latch to securely hold the build tray.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tips are made interchangeable for different materials, then the system becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different build materialsVSAvoidcomplexity of latch assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tip component from the main latch mechanism, creating interchangeable tip elements that can be attached to different nozzles. Each tip can be optimized for specific build materials (e.g., different nozzle diameters or materials), while the core latch structure remains standardized and unchanged, minimizing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal latch mechanism that can work with multiple tip types. The standardized latch body and mounting interface allow different tips to be interchanged without modifying the core mechanism, providing versatility for handling different build materials while keeping the base device simple and reusable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11654488B2Build material transportation with rotational latch

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 PERIDOT PRINT LLC

AI summary

In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a build material volume transportation device is described. The build material volume transportation device includes a shuttle to transport a build material volume. The shuttle includes an opening therethrough to receive the build material volume. The build material volume transportation device also includes a build tray to raise the build volume into the opening in the shuttle. The build material volume transportation device further includes a latch assembly to releasably secure the build tray to the shuttle. A tip of the latch assembly extends to interface with the aperture to secure the build tray to the shuttle. The tip rotates independently of the piston.