Additive Construction System with Stabilized Nozzle Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional construction methods using materials like concrete are time-consuming, expensive, and resource-intensive due to the need for mixing, drying, and repeated stages of construction.
Innovation Solution
A construction system utilizing a frame assembly with a moveable frame assembly and platform, stabilized by a guide structure within an opening of the platform, to accurately deposit extrudable building material using additive manufacturing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional construction methods using concrete are used, then materials can be obtained and structures can be built, but the process becomes time-consuming, expensive, and resource-intensive due to mixing, drying, and repeated stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical construction methods (mixing, pouring, drying concrete) with an additive manufacturing system that deposits pre-mixed extrudable building material layer by layer. The material is pumped through a conduit to a nozzle and deposited directly in the desired configuration, eliminating the need for formwork, mixing, and extended drying periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The building material is prepared in advance as an extrudable mixture with specific flow and structural properties. This pre-prepared material can be pumped and deposited immediately without on-site mixing and curing time, allowing continuous construction operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable platform is used to position the nozzle, then flexibility and coverage area are improved, but unexpected motion from wind and vibrations reduces depositing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide structure as an intermediary component between the moveable platform and the nozzle. This guide structure constrains and stabilizes the nozzle's position, filtering out unwanted motions from wind and vibrations while allowing the platform to maintain its movement range for accessing different construction areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure provides localized stabilization specifically at the nozzle position, allowing the rest of the moveable platform to remain flexible for positioning. The stabilization is applied precisely where needed (at the material deposition point) without restricting the overall system's adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the guide structure is secured in the opening of the moveable platform, then material depositing accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently installed in the opening of the moveable platform. This segmentation allows the guide structure to be optimized for precision without complicating the overall platform design, and enables easier maintenance and replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices for building construction from extrudable materials with improved accuracy due to increased stability of components. In some aspects, a construction system includes a frame assembly disposed at a building site and a moveable frame assembly (e.g., gantry) coupled to the frame assembly and configured to move along a first axis. A moveable platform is coupled to and configured to move along the moveable frame assembly along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The moveable platform has an opening and a guide structure is disposed within the opening and configured to move along a third axis that is perpendicular to the first and second axes. The guide structure holds a conduit configured to deposit, via a nozzle, extrudable building material at the building site. Use of the guide structure, disposed within the opening, stabilizes the nozzle during material deposition.