End effector apparatus and method for additive manufacturing with in situ material deposition and curing

Abstract

An end effector apparatus and method for additive manufacturing systems is disclosed, comprising a deposition nozzle configured to deposit UV-curable or thermosetting materials and an integrated curing unit for in situ curing of the deposited material. Attachable to multi-axis robotic devices, the apparatus enables complex movements and accurate material deposition without the constraints of an enclosed build volume. It operates effectively in non-specialized environments, eliminating the need for controlled environmental conditions. Features include a protective shielding mechanism to prevent unintended exposure of curing energy, filtration media to contain byproducts or unattached materials, and a vision system with sensors for real-time monitoring and adjustments. The invention facilitates efficient additive manufacturing by combining material deposition and curing into a single process, supporting multiple deposition methods and handling multiple materials to create composite structures. This adaptability allows for the production of high-quality parts with intricate geometries in various settings without compromising performance.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.