Methods and systems for measuring a pressure distribution between a surface of an object and a pressure sensitive surface during formation of the object
US11007708B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2019 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y30/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for the inspection of cured layers of an object during the fabrication of the object using a 3D printing system. A just-printed layer is inspected by pressing the layer against a pressure sensitive surface in order to collect information about the layer. A tank contains a photo-curing liquid polymer, and at its bottom are pressure sensitive elements (e.g., in a backing member or mask). An extraction plate to which the object is affixed is adjusted so as to position a surface of the object adjacent to the pressure sensitive elements, which report a pressure distribution (e.g., by virtue of a force exerted by a localized region of the object on a localized region of the pressure sensitive elements).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.