3-D printer on active framework
A 3D printer with a lift mechanism is disclosed. The 3D printer is coupled to the lift mechanism which is in turn coupled to a base or the ground. The lift mechanism comprises telescopically extendable columns comprising concentric cylinders positioned within one another, so as to extend and collapse fully, thus raising and lowering the 3D printer to a specific height. The lift mechanism further comprises extendable and lockable diagonals which connect neighboring telescopic columns at their top portions in a helical fashion. The diagonals are installed for sturdiness and support as the lift is operated, as well as to position the lift at a desired height when the diagonals are locked in place. The lift mechanism may comprise 2 telescopic cylinder columns or 3 or more telescopic cylinder columns. The lift mechanism comprises at least a first stage and an intermediate stage, and optionally a last stage.
1. A device for automatically printing buildings and structures, comprising:
a base having a top surface,
a lift mechanism coupled to the base on the top surface,
a 3D printer supported by the lift mechanism,
the lift mechanism including a sequence of at least three multistage telescopic cylinders placed upright along a closed curve on the top surface,
each multistage telescopic cylinder having at least a first stage and an intermediate stage, each stage having a bottom and a top, a first stage bottom being coupled to the top surface and a last intermediate stage top being coupled to the 3D printer,
the first stage top of each multistage telescopic cylinder is connected to a consecutive stage top of a neighboring multistage telescopic cylinder by a first extendable diagonal such that the first extendable diagonals form a first plurality of extendable diagonals lying along a first level of the closed curve of the top surface,
the intermediate stage top of each multistage telescopic cylinder is connected to a consecutive stage top of a neighboring multistage telescopic cylinder by an intermediate extendable diagonal such that the intermediate extendable diagonals form a second plurality of extendable diagonals lying along an intermediate level of the closed curve of the top surface, and
wherein at least one extendable diagonal comprises a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism immobilizing the diagonal when said locking mechanism is enabled, thus immobilizing the lift mechanism until said locking mechanism is disable; further comprising
a first plate;
a second plate overlaying the first plate, the second plate having the top surface;
a ball joint between the first plate and the second plate; and
at least two supports between the first and the second plate, the at least two supports are coupled to the second plate by hinge joints.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein each extendable diagonal has a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism immobilizing the diagonal when said locking mechanism is enabled, thus immobilizing the lift mechanism until said locking mechanism is disabled.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the 3D printer is a 3D printer configured in polar coordinates.
4. The device of claim 1 , the 3D printer further including:
a rotation mechanism coupled to the lift mechanism;
an extendable boom arm having a first end, the first end of the extendable boom arm is coupled to the rotation mechanism, the extendable boom arm being capable of translational and rotational motion in an X-Y plane; and
an extruder coupled to a second end of the extendable boom arm, the extruder extruding a concrete-based chemical solution.
5. The device of claim 4 , the extendable boom arm having a counterweight mechanism coupled to the first end, a position of the counterweight mechanism is automatically adjusted so a center of mass of the 3D printer coincides with an axis of rotation of the 3D printer.
6. The device of claim 4 , the extendable boom arm having a multistage telescopic portion, the extendable boom arm having a maximum operating radius of 20 meters.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein each extendable diagonal in the first plurality of extendable diagonals and the second plurality of extendable diagonals is a two-stage telescopic cylinder.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein a first support of the at least two supports is coupled to the first plate with a pin, and a second support of the at least two supports is coupled to the first plate by an exterior automotive joint.
9. The device of claim 1 , the base further including a base actuator to power the ball joint and the at least two supports to facilitate tilting the second plate in relation to the first plate.