Hinged clamp for securing membrane assembly to tank sidewall in 3D printing system
US11833753B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 2022 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y30/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A 3D printing system may include a tank in which a bottom of the tank is formed by a flexible membrane. The flexible membrane may be stretched within a frame, which together with the flexible membrane may form a membrane assembly that is secured to the tank sidewall by one or more hinged clamps. Each of the hinged clamps may comprise an arm and an angled member. The distal end of the arm may comprise a hooked attachment member that is complementary in shape to a lip of the frame of the membrane assembly. The proximal end of the arm may be attached to the angled member by a hinge. The angled member may be attached to the tank sidewall by another hinge. The angled member and the arm may be positioned to clamp the membrane assembly to the tank sidewall, or release the membrane assembly from the tank sidewall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.