Voltage Control Device for Global Additive Manufacturing Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing apparatuses require individual configuration for different countries due to varying grid voltages, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing and operational complexities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a voltage control device that adjusts the supply voltage to a defined operating voltage level, allowing the apparatus to operate with any global supply voltage, ensuring compatibility with ISO- and UL-standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additive manufacturing apparatuses are individually configured for different countries with varying grid voltages, then they can operate with the local supply voltage, but the manufacturing complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates a voltage control device that enables it to accept and adapt to multiple different supply voltages (e.g., 110V, 220V, 230V) without requiring individual configuration for different countries. This universal voltage adaptation capability allows the same apparatus design to be deployed globally without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage control device acts as an intermediary between the electrical energy supply grid and the functional devices. This intermediary component transforms and regulates the supply voltage to match the required operating voltage levels, isolating the functional devices from voltage variations in the external grid.
2Reliability
If additive manufacturing apparatuses are individually configured for different countries, then they comply with local voltage standards, but the manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage control device is pre-integrated into the apparatus design, enabling automatic voltage adaptation before the apparatus is deployed to any country. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for post-manufacturing adjustments or reconfigurations when moving between different voltage regions, thereby maintaining high manufacturing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If voltage control devices are integrated into the apparatus, then voltage adaptation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage control device is merged with the existing electrical system components (electrical energy supply, functional devices) into an integrated electrical architecture. This consolidation manages voltage control within the existing system framework rather than adding completely separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
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
Enables the additive manufacturing apparatus to function seamlessly across different voltage regions without altering the electrical energy supply grid, enhancing operational stability and safety with adaptive voltage transformation.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage control device configured to change the voltage level of a supply voltage supplyable or supplied to the additive manufacturing apparatus from an electrical energy supply grid from a supply grid voltage level different from the defined operating voltage level of the number of functional devices of the additive manufacturing apparatus to a voltage level equal to the defined operating voltage level of the number of functional devices of the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing at least one three-dimensional object (2) by means of successive layerwise selective consolidation of layers of build material (3), the apparatus (1) comprising a number of functional devices (7-10) operable at a defined operating voltage level, whereby the apparatus (1) comprises at least one voltage control device (13) configured to change the voltage level of a supply voltage (14) supplyable or supplied to the apparatus (1) from an electrical energy supply grid (15) from a supply grid voltage level different from the defined operating voltage level of the number of functional devices (7-10) of the apparatus (1) to the or a voltage level equal to the defined operating voltage level of the number of functional devices (7-10) of the apparatus (1).