Patent ID: 11919106
Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Field: Machine tools (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 15:
16. A temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a build during its fabrication in an additive manufacturing system, the temperature control system comprising: a. a primary heat source configured to deliver energy to the build through a primary processing nozzle; b. a secondary heat source separate from any heat source associated with the additive manufacturing system; c. means for positioning the secondary heat source relative to the build; d. a cooling source; and e. means for positioning the cooling source relative to the build; f. a first temperature sensor configured to provide information regarding temperature of the build; g. a second temperature sensor associated with the cooling source and configured to measure a surface temperature of the build as it is being cooled; h. a programmable controller; wherein the cooling source and means for positioning the cooling source are independent of the secondary heat source and any heat source associated with the additive manufacturing system; wherein the means for positioning the cooling source comprises a robotic system; and wherein the robotic system further comprises a nozzle mounted to a telescoping arm; wherein the programmable controller is configured to control an intensity of the primary heat source, an intensity of the secondary heat source, an intensity of the cooling source, a position of the primary processing nozzle, a position of the secondary heat source, and a position of the cooling source based on signals received from the melt pool sensor, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor to maintain a thermal gradient within a specified range for a selected portion of the build; wherein a simulation of the build is performed prior to initiating the build wherein the simulation outputs, position and intensity of applied heating and cooling and a predicted temperature for each selected portion of the build to maintain the thermal gradient within the specified range; and wherein a closed loop control is applied which compares the predicted temperature to a first temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, and to a second temperature measured by the second temperature sensor.