3D Shaping Nozzle Heating Layout for Easier Layer Bonding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional shaping devices require complex control due to the need to move an energy source with the nozzle every time its direction changes, complicating the lamination process.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional shaping system with a dispensing unit, stage, moving unit, and a plate-shaped heating unit with through holes, where the heating unit moves in conjunction with the nozzle, and at least one part is made of a transparent material, allowing for simplified control and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the energy source is moved to heat the front part of the nozzle every time the nozzle direction changes, then the lamination bonding strength is improved, but the device control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit is integrated with the nozzle assembly, forming a combined heating-nozzle unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate movement control of the heating unit and nozzle, simplifying the control system while maintaining the ability to heat the front part of the nozzle for improved layer bonding strength
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heating unit serves multiple functions: it heats the front part of the nozzle to improve bonding strength, and it can also heat the plasticizing material on the stage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heating mechanisms and simplifies overall device control
2Power
If a plate-shaped heating unit with through hole is used to heat the plasticizing material, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The through hole in the plate-shaped heating unit allows the nozzle to pass through, creating a nested configuration where the nozzle is positioned within the heating unit structure. This nesting enables direct heating of the plasticizing material at the nozzle tip while maintaining a compact structure
Solution Approach 2:
The plate-shaped heating unit with through hole provides localized heating exactly where needed - at the nozzle tip and at the plasticizing material deposition point. This targeted local heating improves efficiency without requiring complex heating systems throughout the entire device
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If transparent materials are used for the stage or heating unit, then the monitoring capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Transparent or translucent materials are used for the stage or heating unit components, allowing visual monitoring of the shaping process through the components. This enables direct observation of material deposition and layer formation without requiring additional complex monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent material acts as an intermediary that allows light and visual inspection to pass through the stage or heating unit. This enables monitoring capability while maintaining the structural and thermal functions of these components, balancing manufacturing complexity with monitoring needs
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
Facilitates easy control and enables in-process monitoring of the shaping process, reducing the need for separate movement of the heating unit and allowing accurate detection of the shaped object through transparent components.
Implementation Method 1
a first heater configured to heat the plasticizing material laminated on the stage
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shaping system includes: a dispensing unit including a plasticizing unit configured to plasticize a material to generate a plasticizing material and a nozzle configured to dispense the plasticizing material; a stage allowing the plasticizing material to be laminated; a moving unit configured to change a relative position between the nozzle and the stage; and a plate-shaped heating unit including a first heater configured to heat the plasticizing material laminated on the stage, the plate-shaped heating unit having a through hole formed therein. At least a part of the nozzle is located in the through hole during shaping of a shaped object. The moving unit changes a position of the heating unit with respect to the stage in conjunction with a change in a position of the nozzle with respect to the stage, and a part of at least one of the stage and the heating unit is made of a transparent material.