Segmented 3D Printer Support Surface for Early Part Removal

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D printing systems face challenges in efficiently removing completed 3D objects from the support surface without disturbing the positioning of taller objects, leading to delays and inefficiencies in production timelines.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered support surface assembly for 3D printers, comprising multiple removable sections configured based on object size and shape, allows for the removal of completed objects without disrupting the building process of taller objects, using a base plate, sheet magnet layer, adhesive layer, and foam grow surface pad.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional one-piece grow plate is used, then the support surface provides stable support for multiple 3D objects, but the completed shorter objects cannot be removed without disturbing taller objects, causing production delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoiddelivery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The grow plate is divided into multiple removable sections that can be independently removed from the support surface. Each section can be detached and removed with its completed objects, allowing shorter objects to be processed separately without waiting for taller objects to complete their builds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support surface transitions from a static one-piece structure to a dynamic multi-section system where sections can be selectively removed. This allows the system to adapt during the printing process by removing completed sections while leaving taller objects undisturbed on the support surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a one-piece grow plate is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the inability to remove completed objects early causes delays in finishing shorter objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject removal capabilityVSAvoidsupport surface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grow plate is divided into multiple removable sections that can be independently removed from the support surface. Each section can be detached and removed with its completed objects, allowing shorter objects to be processed separately without waiting for taller objects to complete their builds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support surface transitions from a static one-piece structure to a dynamic multi-section system where sections can be selectively removed. This allows the system to adapt during the printing process by removing completed sections while leaving taller objects undisturbed on the support surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If batch 3D printing is used to build multiple objects simultaneously, then production efficiency is improved, but the completion time is determined by the tallest object, delaying shorter objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of objects built simultaneouslyVSAvoidwait time for shorter objects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The grow plate is divided into multiple removable sections that can be independently removed from the support surface. Each section can be detached and removed with its completed objects, allowing shorter objects to be processed separately without waiting for taller objects to complete their builds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The printing process continues uninterrupted for taller objects while completed shorter objects on separate sections are removed and processed. This allows the useful action of printing to continue without idle waiting time, as sections with completed objects can be removed and replaced or reconfigured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables timely completion of multiple build projects by allowing the removal of completed objects as they finish, ensuring timely delivery and enabling subsequent processing of shorter objects without waiting for taller objects to complete.

Implementation Method 1

The upper plate is secured to the sheet magnet layer by a magnetic force of the top magnetic surface of the sheet magnet layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The adhesive layer is disposed on a top surface of the upper plate. The bottom adhesive surface of the adhesive layer is secured to the top surface of the upper plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12570054B2Multi-layered support surface assembly for a three-dimensional printer

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 CHIARADONNA FRANCO PAT

AI summary

A multi-layered support surface assembly for a three-dimensional (3D) printer is provided. One or more of the layers of the multi-layered support surface assembly are cut into multiple removable sections of preselected configurations based on size and shape of multiple objects to be three-dimensionally printed thereon. On completing the objects built thereon by the 3D printer, one or more of the removable sections are removed for further processing, without disturbing positions of incomplete objects being built on other removable sections. The layers include a base plate to be secured to a support platform of the 3D printer; a sheet magnet layer secured to a top surface of the base plate; an upper plate secured to a top surface of the sheet magnet layer; an adhesive layer secured to a top surface of the upper plate; and a foam grow surface pad secured to a top surface of the adhesive layer.