Variable Speed Building Platforms for Layerwise Manufacturing Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing layerwise manufacturing systems are limited by the need for all building platforms to move at the same speed, which can lead to inefficiencies, especially when not all platforms are fully utilized or when different processing steps require varying speeds, and they lack flexibility in handling different products simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A production line with multiple movable carriers and building platforms that can move at different speeds relative to each other and adjust in height and orientation, allowing for variable speed trajectories and independent height adjustments, enabling efficient use of deposition heads and flexible product manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If all building platforms move at the same speed on a conveyor, then the system structure is simple and easy to control, but the production efficiency decreases when platforms are not fully utilized or when different processing steps require varying speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the building platforms into independently controllable groups or individuals, each capable of moving at different speeds along the conveyor. This segmentation allows each platform to be optimized for specific processing requirements without affecting the entire system, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through modular control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic speed control for each building platform, allowing speeds to be adjusted in real-time based on processing requirements, platform utilization, and production demands. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize productivity for different scenarios without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration of the entire conveyor system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple building platforms are used to manufacture different products simultaneously, then the versatility and adaptability of the system increases, but the coordination and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct diversity capabilityVSAvoidcoordination and control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each building platform is treated as an independent production unit with its own control parameters, allowing different products to be manufactured simultaneously on different platforms. The segmentation enables versatile product production while managing coordination complexity through decentralized control of each platform's speed and positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system designs the building platforms and conveyor to be universally applicable for manufacturing different types of products. Each platform can be configured for different product requirements through variable speed control, making the system multi-functional and adaptable without requiring entirely separate production lines for different products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If building platforms move at variable speeds relative to each other, then the production efficiency and flexibility improve, but the synchronization and positioning precision becomes more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidsynchronization and positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic speed adjustment for each building platform while maintaining synchronization through coordinated control. The dynamic capability allows platforms to move at different speeds for optimization, while the control system ensures that positioning precision and synchronization are maintained through real-time coordination and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the position and speed of each building platform, allowing the control system to make real-time adjustments. This feedback ensures that even when platforms move at variable speeds for productivity optimization, the synchronization and positioning precision required for manufacturing are maintained through continuous monitoring and correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3134252B1Apparatus and method for making tangible products by layerwise manufacturing
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 NEDERLANDSE ORG VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
  • EP3134252B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3134252B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3134252B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a production line and a method for making tangible products by layerwise manufacturing. The production line comprises a deposition head (4) for depositing construction material layerwise on a building platform (2,3). The building platforms can move with a different speed along a conveyor (5). Optionally, the height of the building platforms can be adjusted. The method is characterised in that at least two building platforms are moving with different speed.