3D printer capable of simulating wave environment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a 3D printer that can simulate wave environment relates to ocean engineering and underwater additive manufacturing technical field, and the base plate is provided with experimental water tank and printing mechanism, is provided with control mechanism on the experimental water tank outside wall, is provided with wave making mechanism in the experimental water tank, and the wave making mechanism includes high accuracy servo electric cylinder, wave pushboard, wave frequency sensor, water surface wave height sensor and depth pressure sensor, and the left and right sides of experimental water tank inboard wall are provided with high accuracy servo electric cylinder in symmetry, and the high accuracy servo electric cylinder output end is connected with wave pushboard, is provided with wave frequency sensor on wave pushboard, and the experimental water tank is still provided with water surface wave height sensor and depth pressure sensor. The utility model provides a 3D printer that can simulate wave environment, can accurately reproduce a variety of wave working conditions under the laboratory environment, and provides efficient, reliable experimental platform for the research wave to underwater printing process's influence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of marine engineering and underwater additive manufacturing technology, and more specifically, to a 3D printer that can simulate wave environments. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater 3D printing technology has shown broad application prospects in fields such as subsea infrastructure construction, coral reef ecological restoration, and underwater pipeline maintenance. However, dynamic loads such as waves and currents in the real marine environment can significantly affect the stability of the printing process, material curing behavior, and the quality of the final formed components. Currently, performance tests of underwater printing equipment are mostly conducted in static or simply circulating water tanks, which cannot effectively reproduce the complex and random real ocean wave conditions, leading to significant differences between test results and actual working conditions.

[0003] Current technologies lack testing equipment capable of accurately simulating wave environments and simultaneously performing underwater printing, resulting in the following technical bottlenecks: First, the wave simulation accuracy is insufficient, making it difficult to generate regular and irregular waves that conform to actual sea conditions; second, the printing process and wave environment monitoring are independent of each other, making it impossible to achieve synchronous data acquisition and correlation analysis; third, there is a lack of specialized and integrated testing platforms, making it difficult to quantify and analyze the impact of wave dynamics on printing quality. These shortcomings severely restrict the engineering applicability and promotion potential of underwater additive manufacturing technology. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention proposes a 3D printer that can simulate wave environments. It can accurately reproduce various wave conditions in a laboratory environment, providing an efficient and reliable experimental platform for studying the impact of waves on underwater printing processes.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This utility model provides a 3D printer capable of simulating wave environments, including a base plate, an experimental water tank, a control mechanism, a wave-generating mechanism, and a printing mechanism. The experimental water tank and printing mechanism are mounted on the base plate. The control mechanism is mounted on the outer wall of the experimental water tank. The wave-generating mechanism is mounted inside the experimental water tank. The wave-generating mechanism includes a high-precision servo electric cylinder, a wave pusher plate, a wave frequency sensor, a water surface wave height sensor, and a depth pressure sensor. High-precision servo electric cylinders are symmetrically mounted on the left and right sides of the inner wall of the experimental water tank. The output end of the high-precision servo electric cylinder is connected to the wave pusher plate. The wave pusher plate is equipped with a wave frequency sensor. The water surface wave height sensor and the depth pressure sensor are also mounted inside the experimental water tank.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the bottom of the base plate is provided with shock-absorbing pads.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a horizontal adjustment bolt is also provided on the base plate.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the control mechanism includes an operating table, a touch screen, a waveform display instrument, and control buttons. The operating table is fixed to the outer wall of the experimental water tank. The touch screen, waveform display instrument, and control buttons are provided on the operating table and are electrically connected to each other.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the control buttons include an emergency stop switch, a wave generation start / stop switch, and a printing start / stop switch.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the printing mechanism includes a robotic arm, an underwater 3D printing head, and a detachable nozzle. The fixed end of the robotic arm is fixed to the base plate, and the free end of the robotic arm is connected to the underwater 3D printing head. The bottom end of the underwater 3D printing head is provided with a detachable nozzle.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, an observation window is provided on one side of the experimental water tank, and a drain outlet is provided below the observation window.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. It innovatively integrates wave environment simulation with underwater 3D printing, which can reproduce various wave conditions in a laboratory environment, providing an efficient and reliable experimental platform for studying the impact of waves on underwater printing technology.

[0013] 2. Driven by two sets of high-precision servo electric cylinders, the wave pusher plate can accurately simulate regular and irregular waves, with a wide range of wave height and period adjustment to meet the needs of different testing scenarios.

[0014] 3. By employing a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm in collaboration with an underwater printing head, precise underwater printing of complex trajectories is achieved, greatly enhancing the automation level and operational capabilities of the equipment.

[0015] 4. Through the coordinated measurement of multiple sensors, wave parameters can be monitored in real time, and data can be synchronously acquired, displayed and analyzed through touch screen and waveform display instrument, providing complete data support for quantitative research on the impact of waves on the printing process.

[0016] 5. The modular design makes each unit relatively independent, which facilitates maintenance and functional expansion. The integrated design of the operation console makes the equipment easy to operate and highly visualized.

[0017] 6. It provides advanced testing methods for the research and development of underwater additive manufacturing technology, which is of great significance for promoting the standardization and intelligent development of this technology, and has significant practical value in reducing research and development costs and shortening the test cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a 3D printer capable of simulating a wave environment, provided by a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A structural diagram viewed from the left. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top-down structural diagram; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure in the rear view direction.

[0020] 1. Base plate; 11. Shock-absorbing pads; 12. Horizontal adjustment bolts; 2. Experimental water tank; 21. Observation window; 22. Drain outlet; 3. Control mechanism; 31. Operating table; 32. Touch screen; 33. Waveform display instrument; 34. Control buttons; 4. Wave generating mechanism; 41. High-precision servo electric cylinder; 42. Wave pusher plate; 43. Wave frequency sensor; 44. Water surface wave height sensor; 45. Depth and pressure sensor; 5. Printing mechanism; 51. Robotic arm; 52. Underwater 3D printing head; 53. Detachable nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0023] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0026] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0027] like Figures 1-2As shown, the embodiment provides a 3D printer capable of simulating a wave environment, including a base plate 1, an experimental water tank 2, a control mechanism 3, a wave-generating mechanism 4, and a printing mechanism 5. The experimental water tank 2 and the printing mechanism 5 are mounted on the base plate 1. The control mechanism 3 is mounted on the outer wall of the experimental water tank 2. The wave-generating mechanism 4 is mounted inside the experimental water tank 2. The wave-generating mechanism 4 includes a high-precision servo electric cylinder 41, a wave pusher plate 42, a wave frequency sensor 43, a water surface wave height sensor 44, and a depth pressure sensor 45. The high-precision servo electric cylinder 41 is symmetrically mounted on the left and right sides of the inner wall of the experimental water tank 2. The output end of the high-precision servo electric cylinder 41 is connected to the wave pusher plate 42. The wave pusher plate 42 is mounted on the wave frequency sensor 43. The water surface wave height sensor 44 and the depth pressure sensor 45 are also mounted inside the experimental water tank 2.

[0028] In this embodiment, the base plate 1 is a flat plate structure, and during installation, it should be ensured that the top surface of the base plate 1 is horizontal. The experimental water tank 2 is a rectangular tank filled with seawater. The control mechanism 3, the wave-making mechanism 4, and the printing mechanism 5 are electrically connected, and the control mechanism 3 can control the wave-making mechanism 4 and the printing mechanism 5 to work together. The wave-generating mechanism 4 can agitate the seawater in the experimental water tank 2 and generate waves, thereby reproducing various wave conditions in a laboratory environment. This provides an efficient and reliable experimental platform for studying the impact of waves on underwater printing processes. The high-precision servo electric cylinder 41 has a stroke accuracy of ±0.1mm, a maximum thrust of 500kg, and a response frequency of no less than 50Hz. The wave pusher plate 42 is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant composite material and is connected to the output end of the high-precision servo electric cylinder 41 via a universal joint. The high-precision servo electric cylinder 41 can drive the wave pusher plate 42 to move left and right, thereby propelling the seawater to form waves. This device can simulate regular and irregular waves with wave heights of 0.1-0.5m and periods of 1-5s. The wave frequency sensor 43 is located on the side of the wave pusher plate 42 away from the high-precision servo electric cylinder 41. The device has several key components: a wave sensor 44 and a depth pressure sensor 5. The former is used to directly measure the vibration acceleration of the wave pusher 42 and inversely calculate its motion frequency through integration. The frequency measurement range is 0.1-5Hz, with an accuracy of ±0.01Hz. The latter is a non-contact laser wave meter, fixed to the inside of the experimental water tank 2 by a bracket. The laser emission direction of the laser wave meter is perpendicular to the still water surface. It is used to measure the water level change at the laser point location in real time, with a measurement range of 0-1m, an accuracy of ±0.5mm, and a sampling frequency of 100Hz. The latter is an array of pressure sensors, fixed at equal intervals on the inner wall of the experimental water tank 2, forming at least three measurement points at different water depths. These sensors monitor pressure changes at different water depths under wave action, thereby analyzing the wave propagation characteristics and attenuation patterns. The measurement depth range is 0-2m, with an accuracy of ±1cm. The latter is a printing mechanism 5 used for underwater printing tests in a wave environment. Furthermore, all components used in this device are commercially available.

[0029] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, shock-absorbing pads 11 are provided at the bottom of the base plate 1.

[0030] In this embodiment, shock-absorbing pads 11 are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the base plate 1, and the shock-absorbing pads 11 can play a role in shock absorption and buffering of the base plate 1 when simulating wave generation.

[0031] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, a horizontal adjustment bolt 12 is also provided on the base plate 1.

[0032] In this embodiment, the horizontal adjustment bolt 12 is prior art, and it adopts the same arrangement as the Chinese utility model patent with announcement number CN214195593U. The horizontal adjustment bolt 12 is used to correct the levelness of the base plate 1 (error ≤ 0.02mm / m).

[0033] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the control mechanism 3 includes an operating table 31, a touch screen 32, a waveform display instrument 33, and control buttons 34. The operating table 31 is fixed on the outer wall of the experimental water tank 2. The touch screen 32, the waveform display instrument 33, and the control buttons 34 are provided on the operating table 31, and the touch screen 32, the waveform display instrument 33, and the control buttons 34 are electrically connected to each other.

[0034] In this embodiment, the touchscreen 32, waveform display instrument 33, and control buttons 34 are all located on the top surface of the operating table 31. The touchscreen 32 is used to set wave parameters and printing parameters, and to display sensor data curves in real time. The waveform display instrument 33 is used to digitally display real-time wave height and frequency parameters. The control buttons 34 are used to manually control the operation of the device.

[0035] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, control button 34 includes an emergency stop switch, a wave generation start / stop switch, and a print start / stop switch.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the printing mechanism 5 includes a robotic arm 51, an underwater 3D printing head 52, and a detachable nozzle 53. The fixed end of the robotic arm 51 is fixed on the base plate 1, and the free end of the robotic arm 51 is connected to the underwater 3D printing head 52. The bottom end of the underwater 3D printing head 52 is provided with a detachable nozzle 53.

[0037] In this embodiment, the robotic arm 51 is a multi-degree-of-freedom industrial robotic arm. Its fixed end is rigidly connected to the base plate 1 via a flange, and it has a protection level of not less than IP66, with a repeatability accuracy of ≤±0.1mm. The underwater 3D printing head 52, located at the end effector of the robotic arm, is made of 316L stainless steel and includes a precision extrusion mechanism, supporting the extrusion printing of cement-based materials, photosensitive resins, and composite materials. The bottom outlet of the underwater 3D printing head 52 is equipped with a detachable nozzle 53, allowing for a working depth of up to 1m. It also employs a magnetic coupling connection, with an underwater replacement time of ≤30 seconds.

[0038] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, an observation window 21 is provided on one side of the experimental water tank 2, and a drain outlet 22 is provided below the observation window 21.

[0039] In this embodiment, the changes in waves inside the experimental water tank 2 during the 3D printing process can be observed through the observation window 21. The drain outlet 22 is used to drain the seawater from the experimental water tank 2, and a valve is also installed inside the drain outlet 22 to control the drainage flow rate.

[0040] When using this device, firstly, adjust the leveling bolt 12 to correct the levelness of the base plate 1. Fill the experimental water tank 2 with water to the predetermined water level, and set the target wave parameters via the touch screen 32, such as selecting the irregular wave mode, setting the effective wave height to 0.3m, and the peak period to 2.5s. Start the high-precision servo electric cylinder 41. The two sets of high-precision servo electric cylinders 41 generate coordinated motion commands according to the control algorithm, driving the wave pusher 42 to move according to the preset waveform, generating a wave field that meets the requirements in the experimental water tank 2. At the same time, the water surface wave height sensor 44 monitors the change of wave surface elevation in real time at a sampling frequency of 100Hz, the wave frequency sensor 43 collects the acceleration signal of the wave pusher 42, and the depth pressure sensor 45 array records the pressure fluctuations at different water depths. All the data collected by the sensors are transmitted in real time to the touch screen 32 and the waveform display instrument 33. The touch screen 32 plots the wave surface time history curve and spectrum diagram, and the waveform display instrument 33 dynamically displays the real-time wave height and period.

[0041] Then, underwater printing tests were conducted in the established wave environment. Printing parameters were set via touchscreen 32, such as selecting a cement-based material, setting the extrusion speed to 50 mm / s, and the layer thickness to 10 mm. The printing program was started, and the robotic arm 51 and underwater 3D printing head 52 began operation. The magnetically coupled detachable nozzle 53 ensured smooth extrusion. During printing, sensors continuously monitored changes in the wave environment, and the touchscreen 32 and waveform display instrument 33 simultaneously recorded the wave parameters (wave height, frequency) and printing parameters (extrusion volume, print head movement trajectory) corresponding to the timestamps. The deposition morphology and anti-dispersion properties of the printed material in the wave environment could be observed through the observation window 21. After printing, the water in the experimental water tank 2 was drained through the drain port 22.

[0042] Finally, after the test is completed, the synchronized data recorded throughout the entire process in the touchscreen 32 and waveform display instrument 33 is exported to analyze the correlation between wave parameters (such as maximum wave height, average period, and wave energy spectrum) and printed part quality indicators (such as interlayer bond strength, dimensional accuracy, and surface smoothness). By comparing the performance differences of printed specimens under different wave conditions, a quantitative relationship model between wave disturbance and printing quality is established, providing data support for optimizing underwater printing process parameters (such as printing speed and extrusion pressure). For example, it can be verified that when the wave height is greater than 0.4m, the printing speed needs to be reduced to 30mm / s to ensure printing accuracy.

[0043] This utility model has been described through preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein; other embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A 3D printer capable of simulating a wave environment, characterized in that: The experimental water tank (2) includes a base plate (1), an experimental water tank (2), a control mechanism (3), a wave-making mechanism (4), and a printing mechanism (5). The experimental water tank (2) and the printing mechanism (5) are installed on the base plate (1). The control mechanism (3) is installed on the outer wall of the experimental water tank (2). The wave-making mechanism (4) is installed inside the experimental water tank (2). The wave-making mechanism (4) includes a high-precision servo electric cylinder (41), a wave pusher (42), a wave frequency sensor (43), a water surface wave height sensor (44), and a depth pressure sensor (45). The high-precision servo electric cylinder (41) is symmetrically installed on the left and right sides of the inner wall of the experimental water tank (2). The output end of the high-precision servo electric cylinder (41) is connected to the wave pusher (42). The wave pusher (42) is equipped with a wave frequency sensor (43). The water surface wave height sensor (44) and the depth pressure sensor (45) are also installed inside the experimental water tank (2).

2. The 3D printer capable of simulating a wave environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base plate (1) is provided with shock-absorbing pads (11) at the bottom.

3. A 3D printer capable of simulating a wave environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base plate (1) is also provided with a horizontal adjustment bolt (12).

4. A 3D printer capable of simulating a wave environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control mechanism (3) includes an operating table (31), a touch screen (32), a waveform display instrument (33), and control buttons (34). The operating table (31) is fixed on the outer wall of the experimental water tank (2). The touch screen (32), waveform display instrument (33), and control buttons (34) are provided on the operating table (31), and the touch screen (32), waveform display instrument (33), and control buttons (34) are electrically connected.

5. A 3D printer capable of simulating a wave environment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control button (34) includes an emergency stop switch, a wave generation start / stop switch, and a printing start / stop switch.

6. A 3D printer capable of simulating a wave environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printing mechanism (5) includes a robotic arm (51), an underwater 3D printing head (52), and a detachable nozzle (53). The fixed end of the robotic arm (51) is fixed on the base plate (1), and the free end of the robotic arm (51) is connected to the underwater 3D printing head (52). The bottom end of the underwater 3D printing head (52) is provided with a detachable nozzle (53).

7. A 3D printer capable of simulating a wave environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The experimental water tank (2) has an observation window (21) on one side and a drain outlet (22) below the observation window (21).

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