Automated 3D Printing Unpacking Robot with Suction Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current unpacking methods for additively manufactured three-dimensional objects from unsolidified construction material are inefficient, lack automatability, and pose safety concerns due to manual handling of suction elements.

Innovation Solution

An automated unpacking device comprising a robot with multiple axes, equipped with a suction or blower tool, allows for automated and efficient removal of construction material by independent movement of robot axes and interchangeable tools, controlled by a device generating control information based on object geometry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual handling of suction elements is used for unpacking, then operational flexibility is maintained, but automatability and safety are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatability of unpacking processVSAvoidmanual handling requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system performs unpacking operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The robot arm with suction tool automatically navigates to the object, activates suction, and removes construction material, enabling the system to serve itself in the unpacking process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling of suction elements is replaced by an automated robotic system. The robot arm with integrated suction tool substitutes human operators, achieving automatability while maintaining the suction function through pneumatic principles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual unpacking operations are performed, then adaptability to different objects is maintained, but productivity and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunpacking efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility in handling different objects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system incorporates dynamic adaptability through programmable control that can adjust to different object geometries and unpacking requirements. The robot arm's multi-axis movement and adjustable suction parameters enable efficient handling of various objects while maintaining high productivity through automated operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If manual handling of suction elements is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but safety concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of unpacking processVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Extent of automation

If automated robot system is implemented, then automatability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatability of unpacking processVSAvoidcomplexity of unpacking device

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system is designed with universal applicability for different unpacking scenarios. The same robot arm and suction tool configuration can handle various object types and sizes, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and justifying the initial complexity through versatile functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances automatability, efficiency, and safety of the unpacking process by enabling precise and inert removal of construction material without manual intervention, improving the computational efficiency of unpacking operations.

Implementation Method 1

unpacking devices can be formed, e.g., as suction devices, which are provided for sucking off the unsolidified construction material surrounding the three-dimensional object(s) to be unpacked

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS11577404B2Unpacking device for unpacking an additively manufactured three-dimensional object from the surrounding construction material

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 CONCEPT LASER

AI summary

An unpacking device (4) for unpacking an additively manufactured three-dimensional object (2) from the unsolidified construction material (3) surrounding it after completion of an additive construction process, wherein the unpacking device (4) is formed as a robot (7) having at least three robot axes (A1-A6), especially an industrial robot, wherein at least one unpacking tool (10) is arranged or formed on a robot axis (A6), which is provided for unpacking an additively manufactured three-dimensional object (2) from the unsolidified construction material (3) surrounding it after completion of an additive construction process, or the unpacking device (4) comprises at least one such robot (7).