SYSTEM FOR TRAY CLEANING AND RESIN COLLECTION IN AN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESS

One variation of a system includes a chassis: defining a set of platform mounts defining a pivot axis; and a slot arranged between the set of platform mounts and configured to transiently retain a filter receptacle below the pivot axis. The system further includes a tray platform: pivotably coupled to the set of platform mounts; defining a tray-receiving section configured to receive a tray defining a fluid release point and configured to retain a volume of resin; and defining a set of supports arranged about the tray-receiving section and configured to locate the fluid release point at the fixed pivot location. The system further includes a tray lock coupled to the platform and configured to transiently generate a magnetic field to draw the tray against the tray-receiving section and cooperate with the set of tray supports to constrain the fluid release point to the fixed pivot location.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of additive manufacturing and more specifically to a new and useful system for resin reclamation in the field of additive manufacturing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As shown inFIGS.1A,1B,2A,2B,3A-3C,4A-4C,5A, and5B, a tray cleaning system100(hereinafter “the system100”) includes a chassis102; a filter receptacle170; and an upper assembly104.

The chassis102: defines an inner cavity118and an upper rim111arranged about the inner cavity118; includes a set of platform mounts116arranged coaxially at the upper rim111and defining a pivot axis defining a fixed pivot location arranged between the set of platform mounts116; and defines a slot120arranged between the set of platform mounts116, extending below the fixed pivot location, contiguous the inner cavity118, and including a set of retention features122.

The filter receptacle170: is configured to transiently mate with the set of retention features122to seat below the fixed pivot location within the slot120; defines a central axis orthogonal the pivot axis; and is configured to receive and retain a resin filter190configured to filter and release resin into a collection vessel180transiently arranged below the filter receptacle170within the slot120.

The upper assembly104is flexibly coupled to the chassis102and includes: a platform130; a tray150; a tray lock160; and a handle146.

The platform130: is pivotably coupled to the chassis102at the set of platform mounts116; defines a tray-receiving section140and a set of tray positioners142arranged about the tray-receiving section140; and is configured to transiently mate with the upper rim111in a retracted position and deploy outward from the upper rim11, away from the inner cavity118, into a range of orientations in a deployed position.

The tray150defines a fluid release point156and is configured to: transiently seat on the tray-receiving section140and cooperate with the set of tray150supports to locate the fluid release point156at the fixed pivot location; receive and retain a volume of resin within an interior volume of the tray150in the retracted position; and direct fluid from the interior volume of the tray150toward the fluid release point156for release from the tray150, at the fluid release point156, toward the resin filter190in the deployed position.

The tray lock160is coupled to a lower surface134of the platform130, opposite the tray-receiving section140, and configured to: magnetically draw the tray150against the tray-receiving section140; and cooperate with the set of tray positioners142to constrain the fluid release point156at the fixed pivot location across the range of orientations.

The handle146is coupled to the platform130and configured: to pivot the platform about the pivot axis; to pivot the tray150about the fluid release point156; and release resin from the tray150at the fluid release point156toward the filter, responsive to application of a force on the handle146.

One variation of the system100includes the chassis102: defining an upper rim111and a recess115arranged below the upper rim111; including a set of platform mounts116arranged coaxially at the upper rim111and defining a pivot axis defining a fixed pivot location arranged between the set of platform mounts116; and defining a slot120arranged between the set of platform mounts116, extending below the fixed pivot location, and configured to transiently receive and retain a filter receptacle170within the slot120below the fixed pivot location.

In the preceding variation, the system100further includes the upper assembly104flexibly coupled to the chassis102and including: the platform130; the handle146; and the tray lock160. The platform130: is pivotably coupled to the chassis102at the set of platform mounts116; defines a tray-receiving section140configured to transiently receive a tray150configured to retain a volume of resin and defining a fluid release point156; defines a set of tray positioners142arranged about the tray-receiving section140and configured to locate the fluid release point156at the fixed pivot location; and is configured to transiently mate with the upper rim111in a retracted position and deploy outward from the upper rim111(e.g., away from the inner cavity118), to locate the tray150in a range of orientations and direct resin from within an interior volume of the tray150toward the fluid release point156for releasing into the filter190, in a deployed position. The handle150is coupled to the platform130and configured to pivot the platform130about the pivot axis responsive to rotation. The tray lock160is coupled to the platform below the tray-receiving section140and includes: a lock body162defining an inner surface163and including a set of magnetic features164operable in an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a lock control166coupled to the lock body162, defining a boss168configured to transiently seat within the recess115to constrain rotation of the platform130in the retracted position. In this variation, the lock control166is configured to: drive the set of magnetic features164into the engaged position to constrain the tray150against the platform130and draw the boss168outward from the recess115responsive to rotation in a first direction; and drive the set of magnetic features164into the disengaged position to release the tray150from the platform130and locate the boss168within the recess115to fix the orientation of the upper assembly104in the retracted position responsive to rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

One variation of the system100includes a chassis102: defining an upper rim111and a recess115arranged below the upper rim111; including a set of platform mounts116arranged coaxially at the upper rim111and defining a pivot axis defining a fixed pivot location arranged between the set of platform mounts116; and defining a slot120arranged between the set of platform mounts116, extending below the fixed pivot location, and configured to transiently receive and retain a filter receptacle170within the slot120below the fixed pivot location.

In the preceding variation, the upper assembly104is flexibly coupled to the chassis102and includes a platform: pivotably coupled to the chassis102at the set of platform mounts116; defining a tray-receiving section140configured to transiently receive a tray150configured to retain a volume of resin and defining a fluid release point156; defining a set of tray positioners142arranged about the tray-receiving section140and configured to locate the fluid release point156at the fixed pivot location; and configured to transiently mate with the upper rim111in a retracted position and deploy outward from the upper rim111111away from the inner cavity118, to locate the tray150in a range of orientations and direct resin from within an interior volume of the tray150toward the fluid release point156for releasing into the filter, in a deployed position. The upper assembly104further includes: a handle146coupled to the platform130and configured to pivot the platform130about the pivot axis responsive to rotation; and a tray lock160coupled to the platform130below the tray-receiving section140. The tray lock160includes: a lock body162defining an inner surface162and comprising a set of magnetic features164operable in an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a lock control166coupled to the lock body162and defining a boss168section configured to transiently seat within the recess115to constrain rotation of the platform130in the retracted position. The lock control166is configured to: drive the set of magnetic features164into the engaged position to constrain the tray150against the platform130and draw the boss168section outward from the recess115responsive to rotation in a first direction; and drive the set of magnetic features164into the disengaged position to release the tray150from the platform130and locate the boss168within the recess115to fix the orientation of the upper assembly104in the retracted position responsive to rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Generally, the system100includes: a chassis102—configured to mount the system100to a base surface—defining a set of platform mounts116, arranged coaxial and defining a pivot axis, and a slot120extending downward from the pivot axis between the set of platform mounts116; a filter receptacle170—configured to receive and retain a resin filter190—transiently arranged within the slot120below the pivot axis; a tray platform130—pivotably coupled to the set of platform mounts116—configured to transiently receive a resin tray150on a surface of the tray platform130and kinematically locate and retain a fluid release point156(e.g., a spout) of the tray150in a fixed pivot location coaxial the pivot axis and vertically above the filter receptacle170within the slot120; and a handle146configured to enable a user to rapidly pivot the tray platform130, about the pivot axis, from a retracted position (e.g., approximately at horizontal) to a deployed position—defining a range of tray orientations (e.g., between 0-degrees from horizontal and 100-degrees from horizontal)—to release or pour resin from the tray150at the fluid release point156and into the filter arranged in the filter receptacle170for filtering and collection of filtered resin in a collection vessel180arranged below the filter receptacle170.

In particular, by locating the fluid release point156of the tray150at the fixed pivot location on the pivot axis—such that rotation of the tray platform130about the pivot axis pivots the tray150about the pivot axis at the fluid release point156—the tray150can exhibit a fixed fluid release point156and therefore define a fixed fluid pathway of resin released from the tray150. The chassis102, the tray platform130, and the tray150can therefore cooperate to define a fixed fluid pathway extending from the fixed pivot location on the pivot axis toward the filter arranged in the filter receptacle170. In one implementation, the tray platform130can include a set of tray positioners142configured to cooperate with a tray lock160to kinematically support the tray150on the tray platform130and rigidly locate the fluid release point156at the fixed pivot location, such as in the retracted and deployed positions and/or during rotation of the tray platform130.

Thus, by fixing the fluid release point156of the tray150and the resulting fluid pathway, the system100can be configured to: precisely locate the filter receptacle170within the slot120below the tray150—such that a central axis (e.g., a vertical axis) defined by the filter receptacle170falls within a threshold distance of the fluid release point156—thereby increasing an amount of resin collected and reducing resin waste; minimize a size or footprint of the filter receptacle170required for collecting resin released from the tray150—such as due to limited variations in the fixed fluid pathway—and therefore minimize a size of the slot120and/or the chassis102; and minimize resin spills—such as during pouring of resin from the tray150into the filter receptacle170—and resin residue on surfaces of the system100thereby reducing resources dedicated to cleaning surfaces of the tray150, tray platform130, chassis102, and/or filter receptacle170.

Additionally, the system100can be configured to enable rapid user access to interior surfaces of the chassis102and/or surfaces of the tray150and tray platform130for rapid cleaning. In particular, in one implementation, in preparation for cleaning, a user may remove the filter receptacle170from the slot120to access an inner cavity118(e.g., an empty, hollow cavity) of the chassis102arranged below the tray platform130in the retracted position. The user may then wipe down surfaces of the inner cavity118to remove any resin present and a bottom surface of the tray platform130facing the inner cavity118in the retracted position. The chassis102can therefore be configured to enable rapid cleaning of surfaces of the system100—such as in preparation for loading a tray150containing a different resin type—and therefore limit contamination and/or mixing of different resins or resin types.

Further, in one implementation, the tray platform130can include a window144configured to enable cleaning of a bottom surface of the tray150(e.g., including a membrane film154). The user may therefore reach through the slot120and into the inner cavity118of the chassis102, to wipe down surfaces of the tray150exposed via the window144, such as without requiring the user to remove or lift the tray150from the tray platform130for cleaning.

Additionally, the system100can include a tray lock160—coupled to the tray platform130—configured to cooperate with the set of tray positioners142on the tray platform130to kinematically constrain the tray150on the tray-receiving section140of the tray platform130. In particular, the tray lock160can include: a magnetic lock configured to magnetically retain the tray150against a surface of the tray platform130to constrain movement of the tray150on the tray platform130; and a control (hereinafter “lock control166”)—such as a knob or a switch actuatable and accessible by an operator—configured to transiently activate and deactivate the magnetic lock responsive to actuation by the operator. In addition, the tray lock160can further include a mechanical boss168configured to transiently engage a recess115of the chassis102to constrain rotation of the tray platform130out of the retracted position when the magnetic lock is deactivated. A user may therefore: rotate the lock control166in a first direction to activate the magnetic lock and draw the mechanical boss168out from the recess115to lock the tray150to the tray platform130and enable rotation of the tray platform130; and rotate the lock control166in a second direction—opposite the first direction—to deactivate the magnetic lock and insert the mechanical boss168into the recess115to unlock the tray150from the tray platform130and constrain rotation of the tray platform130relative the chassis102. The tray lock160can therefore be configured to limit resin spills—and resources dedicated to cleaning resin spills—by only enabling rotation of the tray platform130when the tray150is secured or locked to the tray platform130.

The system100includes a chassis102configured to: support the upper assembly104in both the retracted and deployed positions; accept and retain the filter receptacle170—transiently loaded with a filter—below the fluid release point156for collection of resin in the filter; and accept and retain a collection vessel180below the filter receptacle170for collection of filtered resin released from the filter.

In one implementation, the chassis102includes: a chassis base124configured to mount the chassis102to a surface (e.g., a ground surface), forming a bottom surface or “floor” of the chassis102; a chassis body110seated over the chassis base124, thus forming “walls” of the chassis102; an inner cavity118—bounded by the chassis base124and the chassis body110—configured to seat below the tray platform130in the retracted position; and a slot120(e.g., a cutout, an inlet, a doorway)—contiguous the inner cavity118—arranged in the chassis body110and configured to transiently house the filter receptacle170and the collection vessel180. For example, the chassis102can include: a substantially flat base surface configured to mount the chassis102to a surface (e.g., the ground, a flat support structure); and an approximately U-shaped chassis body110—mounted to the base surface—forming walls of the chassis102extending upward from the base surface.

Additionally, in one implementation, the chassis102can be machined from sheet metal to form a hollow structure configured to support the upper assembly. For example, the chassis102can include: a base124formed of a section of flat sheet metal (e.g., aluminum); and a body110formed of a section of folded sheet metal (e.g., aluminum), such as a singular cut of sheet metal folded to form a set of chassis102walls defining the inner cavity118. In this example, the chassis102can be machined such that the section of folded sheet metal—forming the body110(or “chassis102walls”)—is rigidly attached to the section of flat sheet metal forming the base124.

Further, by arranging the inner cavity118(e.g., a hollow cavity) below the tray platform130and/or the tray150in the retracted position, the chassis102can be configured to enable a user to access (e.g., via the slot120to the inner cavity118) surfaces of the tray platform130and/or the tray150in addition to surfaces below the tray platform130for cleaning, such as without removing the tray150and/or lifting the tray platform130.

3.1 Chassis Base

The chassis102includes a chassis base124(hereinafter a “base”124) configured to: mount the chassis102to a surface; and receive and support the collection vessel180below the filter receptacle170. Further, the base124can be configured to support the upper assembly104across the range of deployed positions.

In particular, in one implementation, the base124can define a base section126and an extended section128extending from the base section126. In this implementation, the base124section can: define a base footprint approximating a footprint of a cross-section of the chassis body110, such that the chassis body110can be rigidly mounted about an edge or perimeter of the base section126; and therefore be configured to seat directly below the tray platform130and the tray150in the retracted position. The extended section128extends outward from the base section126—on a front side of the chassis102including the slot120—such that the extended section128seats vertically below a portion of the tray150in a fully-deployed position (e.g., 95-degrees from horizontal). The extended section128can therefore be configured to support a weight of the tray150when deployed beyond 90-degrees from the seated position (i.e., 90-degrees from horizontal).

3.2 Chassis Body

The chassis102includes a chassis body110(hereinafter a “body”) mounted to the base124. Generally, the body110defines: an outer surface and an inner surface—opposite the outer surface—forming the inner cavity118of the chassis102; a lower rim—defining a lower perimeter of the chassis102—rigidly fixed to the base124; and an upper rim111—defining an upper perimeter of the chassis102—configured to transiently mate with the tray platform130in the retracted position.

In one implementation, the body110defines an inner cavity and a slot120—extending through the body110(e.g., from the outer surface to the inner surface) to the inner cavity118—configured to transiently receive and retain the filter receptacle170. In particular, the slot120can be arranged directly below the fixed pivot location defined for the fluid release point156of the tray150, such that the filter receptacle170can install within the slot120below the fixed pivot location and the fluid release point156of the tray150. In this implementation, the slot120can therefore include a set of retention features122configured to mate with corresponding features of the filter receptacle170to transiently locate the filter receptacle170within the slot120. Additionally, in another implementation, the body100can define a recess115arranged on the outer surface of the body and configured to transiently receive a boss168of the tray lock160.

In one implementation, the body110can define a seat section114and a set of mounting sections112extending from the seat section114. In particular, in this implementation, the body100can define: the seat section114(e.g., an approximately U-shaped seat section) mounted over the base section126and configured to transiently receive the tray platform130in the retracted position; and the set of mounting sections112—extending from the seat section114and arranged coplanar between the base section126and the extended section128of the base124—defining a set of platform mounts116arranged coaxially and defining a pivot axis.

For example, the body110can define a seat section114defining: a first side wall; a rear wall extending (e.g., orthogonally) from the first side wall; and a second side wall—parallel and opposite the first side wall—extending from the rear wall. In this example, the body110can further define: a first mounting section112extending from the first side wall, opposite the rear wall, and defining a first platform mount116arranged at the upper rim111parallel the base124; and a second mounting section112extending from the second side wall, opposite the rear wall and toward the first mounting section112, and defining a second platform mount116arranged at the upper rim111parallel the base124, such that the first and second platform mounts116are arranged coaxially across the first and second platform mounts116and cooperate to define the pivot axis. In this example, the body110can define the slot120: extending vertically through the body110; and arranged between the first mounting section112and the second mounting section112, such that the first and second mountings sections112cooperate with the slot120to define the front “wall” of the body110opposite the rear wall.

The set of platform mounts116can be configured to interface with a set of mounting features of the tray platform130to pivotably couple the tray platform130to the body110at the pivot axis, such that the tray platform130can transiently rotate about the pivot axis.

In one implementation, the upper rim111of the body110can be configured to exhibit a noncongruent height corresponding to a noncongruent height of the tray platform130. In particular, in this implementation, the seat section114can be configured to define a seat height less than a mount height of the set of mounting sections112including the set of platform mounts116arranged coaxially at a fixed pivot height (e.g., approximating the mount height). The set of platform mounts116can therefore cooperate to define a pivot axis—such as extending horizontally at or proximal the upper rim111of the set of mounting sections112—arranged at the fixed pivot height (e.g., approximating the mount height) exceeding the seat height of the seat section114.

In this implementation, the body110can further include a set of sloping sections extending at an angle downward (e.g., in the retracted position) from the set of platform mounts116at the fixed pivot height to the seat section114at the seat height. In this implementation, by locating the set of platform mounts116—defining the pivot axis—at a vertical height above the seat section114, the chassis102and the tray platform130can cooperate to: seat the base surface of the tray150on the tray platform130at the seat height in the retracted position; and locate the fluid release point156of the tray150at the fixed pivot height—coaxial the pivot axis—in the retracted position. Therefore, the upper rim111of the chassis102can be configured to exhibit a height difference between the set of platform mounts116and the seat section114approximating (e.g., within one percent, within five percent) the tray height of the tray150.

4. Upper Assembly

The system100includes an upper assembly104—including the tray platform130and the tray150—flexibly coupled to the chassis102. In one implementation, the upper assembly104can include: the tray platform130pivotably coupled to the set of platform mounts116—defining the pivot axis—arranged on the upper rim111of the chassis102; and the tray150—configured to retain a volume of resin—seated on the tray platform130; a tray lock160coupled to the tray platform130and configured to transiently lock the tray150to the tray platform130; and a handle146(e.g., operable by a user) coupled to the set of platform mounts116and configured to drive the tray platform130about the pivot axis—across a range of tray orientations—responsive to application of a force on the handle146(e.g., by a user).

In particular, the upper assembly104is configured to pivot about the pivot axis between a retracted position—in which the tray platform130mates with the upper rim111of the chassis102—and a deployed position in which the tray platform130seats above the upper rim111of the chassis102. The upper assembly104can be rotated from the retracted position to the deployed position—defining a range of tray orientations (e.g., between 0 degrees and 100 degrees) relative the chassis102—to locate the tray150in a particular orientation relative the chassis102.

The system100can include a resin tray150(hereinafter “tray150”) defining an interior volume configured to receive and retain a volume of resin. In particular, the tray150can include: a tray body152defining a base surface, a set of tray walls (e.g., four walls) arranged about the base surface and defining a tray rim, and an aperture arranged in (e.g., extending through) the base surface; and a membrane film154spanning the aperture. The tray150can further define a fluid release point156arranged on the tray rim, such as arranged on a corner of the tray rim between adjacent tray walls. In the retracted position, the tray body152and the membrane film154can therefore cooperate to retain liquid resin within the interior volume of the tray150. In the deployed position, the tray150can be configured to direct fluid (e.g., in resin) from within the interior volume of the tray150toward the fluid release point156(e.g., via gravity) for release into a filter arranged within the filter receptacle170installed below the fluid release point156within the slot120.

For example, the tray150can include a rectangular body defining: a base surface configured to seat against the tray-receiving section140of the tray platform130; a set of four walls defining a tray rim and a set of four corners; and a fluid release point156—such as defining a spout or curved surface configured to promote fluid flow from the fluid release point156—arranged on the tray rim at a first corner in the set of four corners. In this example, the tray platform130can therefore be configured to: receive the tray150in the retracted position; and pivot about the pivot axis to locate the tray150in the deployed position—defining a range of tray orientations (or “tray angles”) relative the chassis102—to promote fluid flow from the interior volume of the tray150toward the fluid release point156and into the filter below the fluid release point156.

The system100includes a tray platform130pivotably coupled to the chassis102and configured to receive and retain the tray150. In particular, in one implementation, the tray platform130can be pivotably coupled to the set of platform mounts116—at the pivot axis—proximal the upper rim111of the chassis102. Generally, the tray platform130is configured to: transiently mate with the upper rim111of the chassis102in the retracted position; and pivot about the pivot axis to seat above the upper rim111in the deployed position.

In one implementation, the tray platform130can define: a lower surface134facing the inner cavity118in the retracted position; an upper surface132opposite the lower surface134; and a tray-receiving section140arranged on the upper surface132and configured to transiently receive the tray150and locate the fluid release point156in the fixed pivot location along the pivot axis. The tray platform130can further include a set of tray positioners142configured to locate the tray150on the tray-receiving section140and constrain the fluid release point156to the fixed pivot location, such as during deployment of the upper assembly104from the retracted position and across the range of tray orientations.

In one implementation, the tray platform130can include a base platform136and a set of hinge sections138extending from the base platform136.

In particular, in this implementation, the tray platform130can define: a base platform136—defining the tray-receiving section140and including the set of tray positioners142arranged about the tray-receiving section140—configured to transiently mate with the upper rim111of the chassis102in the retracted position; and a set of hinge sections138extending from the base platform136and pivotably coupled to the set of platform mounts116of the chassis102, such that each hinge section138, in the set of hinge sections138, is pivotably coupled to a corresponding platform mount116in the set of platform mounts116. For example, the chassis102can include: a first platform mount116arranged at the upper rim111—on a first mounting section112of the chassis10—on a first side of the slot120; and a second platform mount116arranged at the upper rim11—on a first mounting section112of the chassis102—coaxial the first platform mount116and on a second side of the slot120opposite the first side. In this example, the tray platform130can include: a base platform136configured to seat approximately flush the upper rim111of the chassis102in the retracted position; a first hinge section138extending from a first end of a front side of the base platform136and pivotably mounted to the first platform mount116; and a second hinge section138extending from a second end of the front side of the base platform136and pivotably mounted to the second platform mount116, such that the slot120extends vertically between the first and second hinge section138.

Additionally, in the preceding implementation, the base platform136and the set of hinge sections138can be configured to cooperate to locate the fluid release point156of the tray150at the fixed pivot location along the pivot axis. In this implementation, the tray-receiving section140can further define a cutout141arranged within the slot120, between the set of hinge sections138, and below a section (e.g., a corner) of the tray150including the fluid release point156. For example, in the preceding example, the tray platform130can define a cutout141between the first platform mount116and the second platform mount116. The tray platform130can therefore receive the tray150on the tray-receiving section140to seat this section of the tray150—including the fluid release point156—above the cutout141, within the slot120, and directly above the filter receptacle170, such that resin released at the fluid release point156flows directly into the filter190with minimal or no obstruction.

Additionally, in the preceding implementation, the base platform136can be configured to define a platform height—such as in the retracted position—less than a hinge height defined by the set of hinge sections138, such that the set of hinge sections138seat above the base platform136by a fixed height corresponding to a height difference between the seat section114and the set of mounting sections112of the chassis102. The tray platform130can therefore be configured to: receive a bottom surface of the tray on the tray-receiving section of the base platform150at the platform height; and locate the fluid release point156of the tray150—arranged on the rim of the tray150—at approximately (e.g., within 1 percent, within 5 percent) the hinge height, above the platform height, on the pivot axis.

In one implementation, the set of hinge sections138of the tray platform130can define a set of friction hinges (or “torque hinges”) configured to restrict rotation of the upper assembly104relative the chassis102.

In particular, in this implementation, the set of friction hinges can define a static friction force. In order to rotate the upper assembly104, a user may apply a force to the set of friction hinges to overcome static friction force. For example, the set of friction hinges can be configured to apply a static force (e.g., a static torque) between the upper assembly104and the chassis102to restrict rotation of the upper assembly104relative the chassis102. The user may exert a force on the handle146—rigidly coupled to the tray platform130—to overcome the static force of the set of friction hinges between the upper assembly104and the chassis102and therefore rotate the upper assembly104to a first deployed position defining a first angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative the chassis102. The user may then release the handle146—thereby removing the force on the handle146—to maintain the upper assembly104in the first deployed position while resin is drained from the tray150, such that the static friction force exerted by the set of friction hinges constrains rotation of the upper assembly104away from the first deployed position.

In the preceding example, the set of friction hinges can therefore be configured to exert a static force (e.g., torque) exceeding a dynamic torque applied to the upper assembly104(e.g., due to gravity) across the range of tray orientations (e.g., between 0 degrees and 95 degrees from horizontal) in the deployed position. To rotate the upper assembly104, the user may therefore apply a force on the handle146to exert a torque on the upper assembly104exceeding this static friction force.

The tray platform130can include a set of tray positioners142configured to locate the tray150on the tray-receiving section140of the tray platform130.

In one implementation, the set of tray positioners142can be configured to: locate and retain the tray150within the tray-receiving section140in a particular orientation in order to locate the fluid release point156of the tray150at the fixed pivot location on the pivot axis; and kinematically support the tray150during rotation of the upper assembly104to constrain the tray150on the tray-receiving section140and constrain movement of the fluid release point156from the fixed pivot location.

Additionally, in this implementation, the set of tray positioners142can be configured to cooperate with the tray lock160to kinematically support the tray150and constrain the fluid release point156at the fixed pivot location. For example, the tray platform130can include: a set of fixed positioners arranged on the upper surface132of the tray platform130and configured to transiently mate with side walls of the tray150; and the tray lock160arranged on the tray platform130and configured to transiently draw the tray150toward the tray platform130. In particular, in one example, the tray platform130can include: a first fixed positioner142arranged on the upper surface132of the tray platform130, on a first side of the tray-receiving section140—adjacent the pivot axis—and configured to transiently mate with a first side (e.g., a first wall) of the tray150seated on the tray-receiving section140of the tray platform130; a second fixed positioner142arranged on the upper surface132of the tray platform130, on a second side of the tray-receiving section140—adjacent the pivot axis and bordering the first side—and configured to transiently mate with a second side (e.g., a second wall) of the tray150seated on the tray-receiving section140of the tray platform130; and the tray lock160arranged on the lower surface134of the tray platform130—below the tray-receiving section140—configured to seat below a corner section of the tray150, opposite the first and second sides of the tray150, to fix the corner section of the tray150to the tray-receiving section140. The first fixed positioner, the second fixed positioner, and the tray lock160can therefore cooperate to constrain the tray150at3distinct sections or points of the tray150, and thereby cooperate to kinematically constrain movement of the tray150on the tray-receiving section140.

Additionally, in one implementation, the set of tray positioners142can include a coating—such as an elastomeric coating—applied to surfaces of the tray positioners142and contacting surfaces of the tray150. The coating can be configured to limit movement of the tray150relative the set of tray positioners142.

In one variation, the tray-receiving section140can define a window144configured to enable user access to the membrane film154of the tray150without removing the tray150from the tray platform130, such as for cleaning between print periods. In particular, in this variation, the tray platform130can include the tray-receiving section140defining: an outer seat configured to receive and support the tray150; and a window144—surrounded by (e.g., inset) the outer seat—configured to seat below the membrane film154. The window144can be configured to exhibit a size (e.g., area, dimension) corresponding to a size of the membrane film154, such that a user may access the membrane film154—with the tray150and the tray platform130in the retracted position—via the slot120and window144, such as for cleaning between print periods.

In one implementation, the tray platform130can be configured to receive and locate trays150of variable sizes on the tray-receiving section140.

In particular, in this implementation, the tray platform130can be configured to: receive a tray150of the fixed tray height on the tray-receiving section140; and locate the fluid release point156of the tray150—arranged on the tray rim—at the fixed pivot position on the pivot axis. In this implementation, the tray150can define: a base surface configured to seat against the tray-receiving section140of the tray platform130; and a tray rim defining the fluid release point156and exhibiting the fixed tray height from the base surface. The tray150can be configured to exhibit the fixed tray height—defined by a distance (e.g., perpendicular distance) between the base surface and the tray rim—corresponding to a distance (e.g., perpendicular distance) between the tray-receiving section140and the pivot axis. The tray platform130can therefore be configured to receive a set of trays150of various shapes (e.g., rectangular, square) and/or sizes (e.g., area, volume, dimensions)—each tray150, in the set of trays150, exhibiting the fixed tray height—and locate the fluid release point156of each tray150at the fixed pivot position, along the pivot axis, regardless of shape, size, and/or other dimensions (e.g., width, length) of the tray150.

For example, the system100can include a set of trays150including: a first tray150defining a first width, a first length, and the fixed tray height; and a second tray150defining a second width, a second length, and the fixed tray height. In this example, the tray platform130can define the tray-receiving section140configured to: receive the first tray150during a first time period; and receive the second tray150—in replacement of the first tray150—during a second time period distinct from the first time period. The tray platform130can include a set of tray positioners142—such as including a set of bumpers and/or the tray lock160—configured to: kinematically support the first tray150and constrain a first fluid release point156—arranged on a first rim of the first tray150at the fixed tray height from the tray platform130—to the fixed pivot position along the pivot axis during the first time period; and kinematically support the second tray150and constrain a second fluid release point156—arranged on a second rim of the second tray150at the fixed tray height from the tray platform130—to the fixed pivot position along the pivot axis during the second time period.

Therefore, by configuring each tray150, in the set of trays150, to exhibit the fixed tray height, the tray platform130can be configured to maintain the fluid release point156at the fixed pivot position regardless of variability in tray geometry.

In one variation, the tray platform130can be configured to receive and locate trays150of variable tray heights on the tray-receiving section140. In this variation, the tray platform130can include a tray150seat configured to seat on the tray-receiving section140—below the tray150—to increase a height of the tray rim relative the tray platform130in order to locate the fluid release point156at the fixed pivot position along the pivot axis.

In particular, in this variation, the tray platform130can be configured to receive and locate a tray150seat on the tray-receiving section140. The tray150seat can then receive a tray150—defining a tray height less than the fixed tray height—on the tray150seat. The tray150seat can be configured to exhibit a seat height approximating a difference between the fixed tray height and the tray height, such that the tray platform130and the tray150seat cooperate to locate the tray rim and fluid release point156of the tray150at the fixed tray height and in the fixed pivot position.

Further, in this variation, the system100can include a set of tray150seats of varying heights in order to accommodate trays150of varying tray heights. For example, during a first time period, the tray platform130can be configured to receive: a first tray150seat—defining a first seat height—on the tray-receiving section140; and a first tray150—defining a first tray height—on the first tray150seat, a sum of the first seat height and the first tray height approximating the fixed tray height. During a second time period, the tray platform130can be configured to receive: a second tray150seat—defining a second seat height exceeding the first seat height—on the tray-receiving section140during a second time period; and a second tray150—defining a second tray height less than the first tray height—on the second tray150seat during the second time period, a sum of the second seat height and the second tray height approximating the fixed tray height. Further, in the preceding example, during a third time period, the tray platform130can be configured to receive a third tray150—defining a third tray height approximating (e.g., within 1 percent, within 5 percent) the fixed tray height—directly on the tray-receiving section140, such as absent a tray150seat.

The upper assembly104includes a tray lock160coupled to the tray platform130and configured to transiently fix the tray150to the tray-receiving section140of the tray platform130. In particular, the tray lock160can be configured to cooperate with the set of tray positioners142on the tray platform130to kinematically constrain the tray150on the tray-receiving section140of the tray platform130.

In one implementation, the tray lock160is configured to magnetically draw the tray150against the tray-receiving section140. In this implementation, the tray lock160can be arranged below a portion of the tray-receiving section140opposite the tray150. The tray lock160can include a lock body162: defining an inner surface facing the tray-receiving section140(e.g., opposite the tray150); and including a set of magnetic features164arranged within the lock body162and operable in an engaged position and a disengaged position. The tray lock160can further include a lock control166—such as a knob or a switch actuatable and/or accessible by an operator—coupled to the lock body162and configured to drive the set of magnetic features164into the engaged position responsive to rotation in a first direction (e.g., by an operator) and configured to drive the set of magnetic features164into the disengaged position responsive to rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

In particular, in this implementation, the set of magnetic features164can be configured to: transiently generate a magnetic field to draw the tray150toward the inner surface and against the tray-receiving section140in the engaged position; and withhold generation of the magnetic field in the disengaged position. In this implementation, the tray150can be formed of a ferrous or magnetic material and/or include a set of magnetic elements arranged within the tray150.

The lock control166can therefore be configured to: drive the set of magnetic features164into the engaged position to generate the magnetic field and draw the bottom surface of the tray150against the inner surface of the lock body162—and therefore clamp the portion of the tray-receiving section140between the bottom surface of the tray150and the inner surface—to constrain the tray150against the tray platform130responsive to rotation in the first direction; and drive the set of magnetic features164into the disengaged position to release the tray150from the tray platform130—and thereby enable removal of the tray150from the tray platform130—responsive to rotation in the second direction.

For example, the tray lock160can include: a fixed magnetic element (e.g., a fixed magnet, a fixed magnetic plate) arranged within the lock body162; and a rotatable magnetic element (e.g., a rotatable magnet, a rotatable magnetic plate) rotatably coupled to the fixed magnetic element. In particular, the rotatable magnetic element can be configured to transiently rotate between the disengaged position—in which the fixed magnetic element and the rotatable magnetic element are arranged “out-of-phase” (e.g., at 180 degrees) and the engaged position in which the fixed magnetic element and the rotatable magnetic element are arranged “in-phase” (e.g., at 0 degrees) and cooperate to generate the magnetic field. In this example, the lock control166can therefore be configured to rotate the rotatable magnetic element between the engaged and disengaged positions responsive to actuation of the lock control166by an operator.

An operator may therefore: locate the tray150on the tray-receiving section140of the tray platform130in preparation for cleaning of the tray150and collection of resin released from the tray150; actuate (e.g., rotate) the lock control166in a first direction to activate the magnetic field and fix the tray150to the tray-receiving section140; apply a force to the handle146to rotate the upper assembly104about the chassis102, such as to a first deployed position defining a first tray orientation; release the handle146—with the upper assembly104in the first deployed position—to enable release and collection of resin contained in the tray150; apply a force on the handle146to rotate the upper assembly104about the chassis102to the retracted position; actuate the lock control166in a second direction—opposite the first direction—to deactivate the magnetic field and unfix the tray150from the tray-receiving section140of the tray platform130; and lift the tray150off of the tray platform130.

In one variation, the tray lock160can include a locking boss168configured to transiently engage a recess115of the chassis102to mechanically constrain rotation of the upper assembly104relative the chassis102and thus fix the upper assembly104in the retracted position.

In particular, in this variation, the chassis102can define a recess115arranged on an outer wall of the chassis102proximal the tray lock160. The lock control166of the tray lock160can define a locking boss168—such as a projection, a latch, or a hook—configured to seat within the recess115to constrain rotation of the upper assembly104in the retracted position. Therefore, the lock control166can be configured to: drive the set of magnetic features164into the engaged position to constrain the tray150against the tray platform130and draw the boss168section outward from the recess115to unfix rotation of the upper assembly104about the chassis102responsive to rotation in a first direction; and drive the set of magnetic features164into the disengaged position to release the tray150from the tray platform130and locate the boss168within the recess115to fix rotation of the upper assembly104—located in the retracted position—responsive to rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

The locking boss168can therefore be configured to prevent rotation of the upper assembly104—out of the retracted position—when the set of magnetic elements occupy the disengaged position, thereby preventing resin spills or equipment damage due to dislodging of the tray150from the tray150surface during rotation.

The system100can include a handle146coupled to the tray platform130and configured to pivot the tray platform130about the pivot axis responsive to rotation (e.g., by a user). In one implementation, the handle146can be rigidly coupled to the tray platform130at a hinge section138. In particular, in this implementation, the handle146can define an: an arm rigidly coupled to the hinge section138at the pivot axis and extending outward, away from the tray platform130, coplanar the hinge section138; and a stem—coupled to the arm opposite the hinge section138—parallel and offset the pivot axis. For example, a user may: apply a force downward on the stem to rotate the platform130about the pivot axis—in a first direction away from the inner cavity118—and into the deployed position; and apply a force upward on the stem to rotate the platform130about the pivot axis—in a second direction, opposite the first direction, toward the inner cavity118—and into the retracted position.

In one variation, the upper assembly104can include a secondary handle148arranged on the upper surface132of the tray platform130. For example, the upper assembly104can include: the handle146mounted to a first hinge section138of the tray platform130at the pivot axis; and a secondary handle148arranged on a side of the tray-receiving section140—opposite the first hinge section138—on the tray platform130. In this example, the user may leverage the handle146and/or the secondary handle148to rotate the tray platform130about the pivot axis. The secondary handle148can therefore be configured to further enable the user to rotate the tray platform130.

The system100can include a filter receptacle170transiently arranged within the slot120of the chassis102and configured to receive and locate a resin filter190(hereinafter a “filter”) (e.g., a 190-micron filter) within the slot120for collection and/or filtration of resin released from the tray150. In particular, the filter receptacle170can be configured to transiently engage the set of retention features122of the chassis102to locate and retain the filter receptacle170within the slot120.

The filter receptacle170can define: a center bore; and a central axis (e.g., approximately parallel walls of the slot120and/or chassis102)—such as orthogonal the pivot axis defined by the set of platform mounts116—extending through the center bore. The filter receptacle170can receive and locate a filter within the filter receptacle170approximately coaxial (e.g., within one percent, within two percent, within ten percent) the central axis, such that an outlet192(e.g., a tip or apex) of the filter is approximately coaxial the central axis. The filter receptacle170can therefore be configured to define a form factor corresponding to (e.g., matched, approximating) a form factor of the filter.

In one implementation, the filter receptacle170can define a conical geometry configured to receive a conical filter. For example, the filter receptacle170can include: an upper section defining a first circumference; and a lower section arranged below the upper section—opposite the tray platform130in the retracted position—and defining a second circumference less than the first circumference.

5.1 Filter Receptacle: Installation and Removal

The filter receptacle170can be configured to mate with the set of retention features122of the chassis102to transiently install within the slot120. In one implementation, the filter receptacle170can include: a receptacle body configured to receive the filter; and a set of inserts174extending outward from the receptacle body and configured to transiently engage the set of retention features122to locate and retain the filter receptacle170(e.g., above the collection vessel180) within the slot120. A user may therefore: couple the set of inserts174with set of retention features122to rigidly locate the filter receptacle170within the slot120; and/or decouple the set of inserts174from the set of retention features122to remove the filter receptacle170from the slot120and access the inner cavity118via the slot120, with minimal obstruction.

Additionally and/or alternatively, in one implementation, the filter receptacle170can define a gap178configured to enable removal of a filter from the filter receptacle170, such as without removing the filter receptacle170from the slot120of the chassis102. In particular, in this implementation, the filter receptacle170can define a gap178: arranged on a side of the filter receptacle170facing away from the inner cavity118; and configured to fit a portion of the filter through the gap178. The gap178can therefore enable removal of the filter from the filter receptacle170without requiring an increase in vertical clearance between the upper section or top portion of the filter receptacle170and the bottom surface of the tray150in the retracted position. For example, an operator may: partially lift the filter upward, toward the tray150, in order to unseat the filter from the upper and lower rims of the filter receptacle170; align a lower section of the conical filter—exhibiting a reduced diameter from the upper section of the conical filter—with the gap178; and pull the filter outward through the gap178for removal and/or replacement with a new filter.

Therefore, by including this gap178, the filter receptacle170can be configured to: limit lifting of the filter over surfaces of the filter receptacle170during removal, thereby minimizing an amount of cleaning required for surfaces of the filter receptacle170and/or other surfaces of the system100, such as due to spilling or dripping of resin from the filter and onto the filter receptacle170; and minimize vertical clearance required for removal of the filter from the filter receptacle170, thereby enabling a reduction in size (e.g., height) of the chassis102, in space required for installation of the system100, and in amount and/or costs of material required for the chassis102and filter receptacle170.

Additionally, in one implementation, the filter receptacle170can be configured to install within the slot120in a range of vertical positions, each vertical position defining a particular height from the base124of the chassis102.

In particular, in this implementation, the chassis102can include: a first subset of retention features122, in the set of retention features122, arranged at a first height within the slot120; and a second set of retention features122, in the set of retention features122, arranged at a second height within the slot120, the second height exceeding the first height. The filter receptacle170can include the set of inserts174configured to: transiently engage the first subset of retention features122to locate the filter receptacle170in a first position—corresponding to the first height—within the slot120; and transiently engage the second subset of retention features122to locate the filter receptacle170in a second position—corresponding to the second height—above the first position within the slot120. The chassis102can similarly include additional subsets of retention features122arranged at different heights—such as including a third subset of retention features122, in the set of retention features122, arranged at a third height within the slot120, a fourth subset of retention features122, in the set of retention features122, arranged at a fourth height within the slot120, etc.—configured to transiently mate with the set of inserts174to locate the filter receptacle170within the slot120at a particular height.

For example, the chassis102can define: a first set of notches arranged at a first height within the central receptacle and including a first notch arranged on a first side of the slot120and a second notch arranged on a second side of the slot120opposite the first side; and a second set of notches arranged at a second height—exceeding the first height—within the central receptacle and including a third notch arranged on the first side of the slot120, above the first notch, and a fourth notch arranged on the second side of the slot120above the second notch.

Therefore, by enabling an operator to reposition the height of the filter receptacle170, the system100can accommodate collection vessels180of different heights while maintaining a constant distance between a tip or apex of a filter (e.g., a conical filter) loaded in the filter receptacle170and an inlet of a collection vessel180arranged beneath the filter receptacle170within the cavity.

6. Collection Vessel

The system100can include a collection vessel180transiently arranged within the slot120, below the filter receptacle170, and configured to collect and retain resin release from an outlet192of the filter190arranged within the filter receptacle170. In particular, the collection vessel180can: define a vessel inlet180; and be configured to transiently seat within the slot120—on the base124—below the filter receptacle170, such that the vessel inlet is coaxial an outlet192of the filter190arranged within the filter receptacle170.

In one implementation, the system100can include a set of collection vessels180of various sizes (e.g., heights, widths, volumes) configured to install within the slot120below the filter receptacle170. For example, the system100can include: a first collection vessel180of a first height; and a second collection vessel180of a second height exceeding the first height. In this example, at a first time, a user may: install the filter receptacle170—loaded with a first filter190—within the slot120by engaging the set of inserts174with a first subset of retention features122within the slot120, such that a first filter outlet192of the first filter190seats at a third height (e.g., relative the base110) exceeding and within a threshold height of the first height of the first collection vessel180; and locate the first collection vessel180on the base110, below the filter receptacle170, such that a first inlet182of the first collection vessel180seats coaxial and within the threshold distance of the first filter outlet192. Later, at a second time succeeding the first time, the user may: install the filter receptacle170—loaded with a second filter190—within the slot120by engaging the set of inserts174with a second subset of retention features122above the first subset of retention features122within the slot120, such that a second filter outlet192of the second filter190seats at a fourth height (e.g., relative the base110) exceeding and within the threshold height of the second height of the second collection vessel180; and locate the second collection vessel180on the base110, below the filter receptacle170, such that a second inlet182of the second collection vessel180seats coaxial and within the threshold distance of the second filter outlet192.

In one variation, the system100can be configured to accommodate a collection vessel180exhibiting a size (e.g., height, width, cross-section) exceeding a size of the slot120. In particular, in this variation, the chassis102can be configured to: receive and retain the filter receptacle170within the slot120and mount over the collection vessel180, such that the vessel inlet182is coaxial and within a threshold distance of the filter outlet192. Therefore, in this variation, the chassis102can omit the base110and rather include a set of mounting feet—extending from the lower rim of the body110—configured to: mount the body110to a surface (e.g., a ground surface); and seat the slot120—transiently loaded with the filter receptacle170—over the collection vessel180(e.g., arranged on the surface). For example, the set of mounting feet can be configured to lift and support the body110above the surface (e.g., a ground surface) to accommodate first collection vessels180of various heights. Further, the set of mounting feet—extending from the lower rim of the body110—can define a greater width or clearance than the slot120, such that walls of the collection vessel180can seat below the set of mounting sections112and/or the lower rim of the body110while maintaining the vessel inlet182coaxial the filter outlet192.