Automated Support Material Removal Device for 3D Printed Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing support materials from three-dimensional molded objects require manual labor, leading to increased burden and cost, even when using water-soluble polymer compounds.
Innovation Solution
A support material removal device equipped with a nozzle, arm, and trajectory calculating section that automatically calculates and follows a trajectory to remove support material from three-dimensional molded objects, adjusting ejection pressure and nozzle direction based on shape information to efficiently and accurately remove support material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual work is used to remove support material, then removal can be performed, but labor burden and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by automatically calculating the support material trajectory and controlling the ejection device without manual intervention. The processor autonomously determines removal paths based on shape information, eliminating the need for trained personnel to manually remove support material while maintaining effective removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical removal operations with an automated system comprising a processor, trajectory calculating section, and ejection device. This substitution transforms the mechanical process of manual support material removal into an automated control system that calculates trajectories and controls ejection, thereby reducing labor burden while maintaining productivity.
2Extent of automation
If automated removal is implemented, then labor cost decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both for ejecting liquid during three-dimensional molding and for removing support material afterward. This universal design allows the same hardware to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated removal devices and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trajectory calculating section acts as an intermediary component that bridges the processor and the ejection device. It receives shape information from the processor, calculates the necessary removal trajectories, and translates these into control signals for the ejection device, thereby managing system complexity through modular functional decomposition.
3Measurement precision
If trajectory calculation is performed, then removal accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by calculating the support material removal trajectory in advance based on shape information obtained during or after molding. The trajectory calculating section pre-determines the optimal removal paths before the actual ejection process begins, allowing accurate and efficient support material removal without time-consuming real-time calculations during the removal operation.
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
Automated removal of support material reduces labor costs and improves efficiency by accurately targeting and removing support material from three-dimensional molded objects without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle (11) for ejecting liquid (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A support material removal device 1 for removing a support material 4b from a three-dimensional molded object 4a in an ejection target 4 by ejecting liquid 3 at the ejection target 4, which was molded by a three-dimensional molding machine, includes a nozzle 11 for ejecting the liquid 3b, an arm 31 for gripping the nozzle 11, a trajectory calculating section 32 for calculating a trajectory for driving the arm 31 based on first shape information indicating the shape of the ejection target 4 in a state where the support material 4b is attached to it and second shape information indicating the shape of the three-dimensional molded object 4a corresponding to the state where the support material 4b is removed from the ejection target 4, and a drive section 31A for driving the arm based on the trajectory calculated by the trajectory calculating section 32.