Segmented Housing for Selective Area Solidification of Dimensionally Stable Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printing systems are limited by the size of the housing and can only form a single body from a single liquid in a working process, lacking flexibility in forming large or multi-part objects with different materials.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base body, a trough for receiving the mass, controllable radiation sources for solidification, a holding device, and a movement device that allows the holding device to move relative to the base body, enabling the formation of dimensionally stable objects with increased flexibility in size and material composition, with the option to form objects partially or fully outside the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the housing size is increased to form larger objects, then the object size is improved, but the device complexity and shielding requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a stationary first housing part and a movable second housing part. The second housing part can be moved away from the first housing part to allow access to the base body and formed objects, eliminating the need for a single large complex housing while still providing shielding when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second housing part is made movable relative to the first housing part, transforming the housing from a static enclosed structure to a dynamic partially open structure. This allows the housing to adapt between providing full shielding during operation and allowing access during object removal.
2Device complexity
If a single liquid is used in one working process, then the process simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to form multi-part bodies with different materials worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to handle multiple different liquids (photopolymers, waxes, resins, etc.) using the same basic process and equipment. The radiation source and trough configuration remain universal, while allowing material composition changes to create multi-part bodies with different properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the chemical composition and physical properties of the liquid material to be cured. Different photopolymers, waxes, and resins can be used in the same working process by changing material parameters while maintaining the same curing mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing encloses the entire base body, then the shielding effectiveness is improved, but the object accessibility and flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two parts, allowing the second housing part to be moved away to provide access to the base body and formed objects while the first housing part remains stationary and provides continuous shielding for the radiation source and trough area.
Solution Approach 2:
The second housing part is extracted from the enclosed housing structure and made movable, creating an opening for object accessibility while maintaining the shielding function of the remaining first housing part.
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 the formation of large, multi-part objects from various materials, with the ability to form objects of any size and complexity, and allows for selective area-wise solidification of light-curable liquids, enhancing the flexibility and versatility of the 3D printing process.
Implementation Method 1
one or more controllable radiation source(s) for emitting radiation which is suitable for solidifying the mass and which is designed in particular as a light source
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
System for forming one or more dimensionally stable objects (1) by selectively solidifying a non-dimensionally stable mass (2) comprising a base body (3), which is in particular arranged in a fixed position; a trough (9) connectable to or connected with the base body (3) for receiving the mass (2); one or more controllable radiation source(s) (4) for emitting radiation (5) suitable for solidifying the mass (2) and which is in particular designed as a light source; a base body (6) on which the object (1) to be formed can be built or is built; a holding device (7) for receiving or holding the base body (6); a housing (8) that surrounds at least the trough (9) and preferably also the radiation source (4);a movement device (10) which is connected or coupled to the base body (3) and to the holding device (7), wherein the movement device (10) comprises a drive (11) such that the holding device (7) is movable relative to the base body (3) by actuating the drive (11).