Suspended 3D Printer Support for Vibration and Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D printers experience excessive noise and vibration during operation, which current vibrational isolators fail to adequately address, necessitating improved solutions for reducing vibrational movement.

Innovation Solution

A stabilization apparatus comprising a stationary framework with a base that exceeds the 3D printer's footprint, flexible suspenders, and anchor points, which suspends the 3D printer in a floating position, thereby reducing vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional vibrational isolators (feet or blocks) are used to reduce vibration, then the printer is supported on a stable base, but the vibration reduction effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration reduction effectivenessVSAvoidsupport stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the printer on top of a stable base (traditional approach), the invention inverts the support structure by suspending the printer from an overhead framework. This inversion allows the printer to be isolated from vibrations in the support surface while maintaining stability through the rigid overhead framework, effectively resolving the contradiction between vibration reduction and support stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces flexible suspenders as intermediary elements between the overhead framework and the printer. These suspenders act as mediators that absorb and dampen vibrations while maintaining the structural connection, thereby achieving both vibration reduction effectiveness and support stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the base footprint is increased to improve stability, then support stability improves, but the device complexity and space requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidbase footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the traditional support approach by moving from a large base footprint to an overhead suspension framework. This eliminates the need for a large horizontal footprint while maintaining support stability through the rigid overhead structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing stability in the horizontal plane (larger base footprint), the invention transitions to a vertical dimension by using an overhead framework. This dimensional change allows stability to be achieved through vertical support structures rather than horizontal expansion, reducing device complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If flexible suspenders are used to suspend the printer, then vibration reduction improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration reductionVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible suspenders serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for the printer, act as vibration dampers, and allow for easy installation and removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby minimizing device complexity while achieving effective vibration reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses flexible suspenders (ropes, cords, or straps) that naturally possess vibration-damping properties due to their flexible nature. These flexible elements absorb and dissipate vibrational energy without requiring complex mechanical dampers or isolators, achieving vibration reduction with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The stabilization apparatus effectively reduces vibrations and noise generated by 3D printers during operation, enhancing the printing process by minimizing disturbances and improving output quality.

Implementation Method 1

one or more flexible suspenders each having an elongated shape between longitudinally opposing first and second ends thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

stabilization apparatus for reducing vibration of a 3D printer during operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12234877B2Apparatuses and methods for reducing vibration of 3D printers

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 SAWATSKY ASHLEY

AI summary

A stabilization apparatus for reducing vibration of a 3D printer during operation thereof. A stabilization apparatus features a stationary framework having a base seated atop a support surface and spanning a greater two-dimensional footprint than the 3D printer. One or more flexible elongated suspenders each has one end connected to a respective anchor point each defined on the supportive framework at a respective location of elevated relation to an underside of the base. Another end of each suspender is secured either to the 3D printer itself, or to a floating support atop which the 3D printer is placed. The 3D printer is thereby supported in a floating position of suspended relation to the stationary framework of the stabilization apparatus.