SHUTTLE EXTRACTOR WITH AUTOMATED HANDLING SYSTEM FOR 3D PRINT FARMS

Abstract

This invention provides an automated handling system for 3D print farms, utilizing a shuttle extractor with an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) to streamline material handling. Designed to manage build plates and printed parts efficiently, the system reduces labor dependency, enhances productivity, and supports scalable operations. Integrated with software control for real-time tracking, the system optimizes resource use and promotes sustainable manufacturing practices.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to automation technology in additive manufacturing, specifically focusing on a shuttle extractor system with automated handling designed for 3D printing farms. The invention enhances material handling efficiency and scalability in 3D printing environments, reducing labor, operational costs, and workflow bottlenecks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional 3D print farms rely heavily on manual labor for material handling tasks, such as retrieving and depositing build plates and printed parts. This manual process is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and error-prone, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies in production workflows. Additionally, scaling up 3D printing operations to meet rising demand is challenging, as manual handling methods become unsustainable and costly. Automated systems in additive manufacturing exist but are limited in addressing both printed part and build plate handling, which is essential for streamlining operations in large-scale 3D print farms. Current solutions mainly focus on individual parts without a comprehensive system for automated transport, retrieval, and deposition, limiting their application in scalable production. The present invention addresses these limitations by integrating a Shuttle Extractor Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) into 3D printing farms, providing an automated solution for efficient material flow, increased productivity, and enhanced scalability, especially in high-volume operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides an automated material handling system for 3D print farms, featuring a shuttle extractor and ASRS technology. This system automates the retrieval, transport, and deposition of build plates and printed parts, optimizing workflows by reducing manual intervention. The shuttle extractor is configured to operate both horizontally and vertically, facilitating efficient material movement between 3D printers and storage modules. Integrated with a lift-guide system and software control interfaces, the system ensures real-time inventory tracking, material allocation, and job coordination, supporting improved safety and scalability in 3D printing environments. Designed for modularity, the system can adapt to various 3D print farm configurations, offering a sustainable and scalable solution for modern additive manufacturing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: ILLUSTRATES THE SHUTTLE EXTRACTOR WITH AN AUTOMATED HANDLING SYSTEM, SHOWCASING THE ASRS AND LIFT-GUIDE SYSTEM.
FIGURE 2: DEPICTS THE CONVEYOR BELT INTEGRATION WITHIN THE AUTOMATED HANDLING SYSTEM, HIGHLIGHTING MATERIAL TRANSPORT PATHWAYS.
FIGURE 3: SHOWS THE PART REMOVAL SETUP, DETAILING THE INTERFACE BETWEEN THE ASRS AND 3D PRINTERS FOR AUTOMATED EXTRACTION.
FIGURE 4: PRESENTS THE ASSEMBLED VIEW OF THE SHUTTLE EXTRACTOR WITH CONVEYOR COMPONENTS, DEMONSTRATING THE SYSTEM'S SCALABILITY AND MODULAR DESIGN.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Shuttle Extractor with Automated Handling System is an advanced material handling solution for 3D printing farms, designed to automate and streamline workflows. At its core, the system integrates a Shuttle Extractor Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) that synchronizes print job initiation, material allocation, and retrieval processes within a 3D printing environment. The shuttle extractor, which operates horizontally and vertically, enables seamless material movement between the ASRS storage modules and individual 3D printers. This system includes key components such as storage modules, lift-guide systems, and a conveyor belt setup, each configured to manage the efficient transfer of both build plates and printed parts.
The shuttle extractor ASRS, equipped with automated retrieval and deposition mechanisms, is designed to accommodate build plates and printed parts of varying sizes and shapes, optimizing space within the storage modules. The lift-guide system provides vertical mobility, allowing materials to be transported between different levels within the 3D printing farm. This setup enables high-density storage and retrieval, reducing the physical footprint of the storage area and supporting scalability for larger operations.
The automated handling system operates through a software-controlled interface, providing operators with real-time inventory tracking and material allocation data. This control interface monitors each print job's status, enabling smooth coordination between printing tasks and material handling processes. The software also includes safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with automated handling, ensuring safe operation for personnel working in close proximity to the ASRS.
By automating material handling processes, the system addresses workflow bottlenecks and reduces labor dependency, ultimately enhancing productivity within 3D printing farms. The integration of conveyor belts further streamlines material flow, facilitating continuous production cycles without manual intervention. Additionally, the system's modular design allows for easy adaptation to different 3D print farm layouts, supporting flexible and scalable deployment options across diverse manufacturing setups.
, Claims:1. An automated handling system for 3D print farms, comprising a shuttle extractor integrated with an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), designed to facilitate material retrieval, transport, and deposition of build plates and printed parts.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the shuttle extractor operates horizontally and vertically, enabling material movement between 3D printers and storage modules.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein storage modules are configured to hold various build plates and printed parts, supporting high-density storage and scalable 3D print farm configurations.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a lift-guide system enables vertical transfer of materials, enhancing storage efficiency within the ASRS framework.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a software-controlled interface provides real-time inventory tracking, material allocation, and job coordination for optimized workflow management.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein conveyor belts integrate with the ASRS to facilitate continuous material flow and streamline 3D printing operations.

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