3D Net Structure Manufacturing Nozzle with Inclined Chutes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing three-dimensional net-like structures face challenges in reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiency while maintaining product quality and dimensional accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional net-like structure manufacturing apparatus with a nozzle having multiple rows of holes and a hole-free region, paired with inclined chutes and water supply ports, allows for simultaneous extrusion and tangling of filaments to form high-density surface layers and low-density inner layers, enabling efficient production of multiple structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the production rate is increased to reduce manufacturing cost and improve production efficiency, then productivity improves, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction rateVSAvoiddimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle is divided into multiple independent hole groups (first hole group, second hole group, third hole group) arranged in different rows, allowing simultaneous extrusion of multiple filament assemblies. This segmentation enables parallel production of multiple three-dimensional net-like structures, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining precise control over each individual structure's dimensions through dedicated hole patterns and spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple three-dimensional net-like structures are produced simultaneously, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple hole groups are integrated into a single nozzle body, allowing simultaneous extrusion of multiple filament assemblies through one apparatus. The nozzle combines first, second, and third hole groups with different hole patterns and spacings, enabling parallel production of multiple three-dimensional net-like structures with different specifications without requiring multiple separate extrusion devices, thus increasing productivity while avoiding proportional increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the nozzle has holes arranged in a specific pattern, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoidnozzle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different hole groups within the nozzle are designed with locally optimized hole patterns and spacings tailored to specific product requirements. The first hole group has a first hole pattern with first spacing, the second hole group has a second hole pattern with second spacing, and the third hole group has a third hole pattern with third spacing. This local quality approach allows precise control over the dimensional accuracy and structural characteristics of different regions of the extruded material, with each hole group optimized for its specific function while maintaining an integrated nozzle design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances production efficiency, stabilizes mass production, and reduces manufacturing costs by allowing simultaneous production of multiple products with improved quality and dimensional accuracy, without the need for additional equipment or increased investment.

Implementation Method 1

a first water supply port configured to supply water to the first inclined surfaces; a second water supply port configured to supply water to the second inclined surfaces; wherein when the assemblies pass through between the first chutes and the second chute, the filaments are tangled irregularly and thermally fused

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP2894246B1Device for manufacturing three-dimensional network structure and method for manufacturing three-dimensional network structure
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 C ENG CO LTD
  • EP2894246B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2894246B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP2894246B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

The object is to improve the production efficiency of three-dimensional net-like structures while maintaining the surface quality of the three-dimensional net-like structures. A second chute 6 is located below a hole-free region 33 and is provided between first chutes 4a and 4b. Filaments 20a and 20b located on longitudinal sides 22b and 22c at the periphery of assemblies 21a and 21b are in contact with the upper side of inclined surfaces 46a and 46b of the second chute 6 and inclined surfaces 46a and 46b of the second chute 6. Such contact disturbs the vertical fall of the filaments 20a and 20b and causes the filaments 20a and 20b to be tangled in loops with the adjacent filaments 20a and 20b and pass through the first chutes 4a and 4b and the second chute 46a and 46b, while being cooled down with water supplied from openings 51a, 51b and 51c.