Patent · US Expired

Model generation system having closed-loop extrusion nozzle positioning

US5402351A · kind A · utility

163Cited by
21References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 18, 1994
Grant dateMar 28, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 18, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P90/02
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object in accordance with a computer-generated definition of the object that is stored within a memory. A method includes the steps of (a) evaluating the stored definition of the object to locate any un-supported features of the object; in response to locating an un-supported feature, (b) defining a support structure for the un-supported feature; (c) generating a fabrication tool movement list expressive of movements required by a fabrication tool to fabricate the object and any defined support structures; and (d) translating the fabrication tool in accordance with the generated fabrication tool movement list to fabricate the object and any defined support structures. The step of translating includes the steps of, generating a feedback signal that is indicative of at least one characteristic of a most recently fabricated portion of the object; and monitoring the feedback signal to detect a deviation of at least a location of the most recently fabricated portion of the object from a corresponding location as expressed in the associated portion of the fabrication tool movement list. Also disclosed are methods and…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.