Stereolithography Eyeglass Frame Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for additively manufacturing eyeglass structures using stereolithography require manual processing to address connection points, which hinders automation and results in visible irregularities on the finished product.
Innovation Solution
The method involves starting the manufacture of the inner support structure after the connection between the outer support structure and the component has been created, allowing the connecting region to be concealed and eliminating the need for external support structures on visible surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual processing is used to address connection points in stereolithography manufacturing, then the connection points can be processed to eliminate irregularities, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and cannot be fully automated
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be automatically removed during the manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring separate manual processing steps afterward. The support structure is configured to be dissolved or detached automatically when the manufacturing cycle completes, eliminating the need for post-processing operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If support structures are used during stereolithography manufacturing, then the component can be supported during printing, but the support structures create visible irregularities on the finished product surface
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be completely removed from the final product. It serves its purpose during manufacturing to support the component being printed, then is extracted or dissolved away, leaving no traces on the finished product surface. This eliminates the visual irregularities that would otherwise remain from support structure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is treated as a temporary element that is discarded after serving its manufacturing function. It is designed to be easily removed or dissolved, and in some embodiments can be recovered or reused in the manufacturing process, leaving no permanent marks on the final component.
3Manufacturing precision
If different localized processing is applied to connection points, then the irregularities can be addressed, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process itself provides the necessary processing to eliminate irregularities. The support structure is designed to be automatically removed or integrated in a way that leaves clean surfaces without requiring additional localized processing steps. The system serves its own need for surface quality improvement through the design of the support structure removal mechanism.
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 simplifies and potentially automates the final processing of the component, ensuring a high-quality surface by eliminating process-related support structure irregularities and concealing the connecting region.
Implementation Method 1
additively manufacturing a component of an eye-glass structure by means of stereolithography
Data Source
AI summary
A component of an eyeglass frame and a method for additive manufacturing of such a component are by stereolithography. The component includes an eyeglass frame with an inner edge. An inner support structure is manufactured together with the eyeglass frame to support the eyeglass frame. The inner support structure of the manufactured component is connected to the inner edge at two opposite points so that the points are supported with respect to one another. The surface of the component has a connection region that is hidden in a use position of the finished eyeglass frame. An outer support structure is provided, which is manufactured together with the component. A connection between the outer support structure and the component is established in the connection region. The manufacturing of the inner support structure is started once the connection between the outer support structure and the component has been established.