Template-Guided 3D Pen Assembly for Precise Layer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D pens produce imprecise and unstable 3D objects due to the inherent instability of plastic filament before it hardens, leading to poor quality and inaccurate formation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base assembly with a rotating platform, slider assembly, and template with geometric and non-geometric grooves, allowing precise construction of 3D objects by stacking concentric 2D shapes formed with a 3D pen, secured by horizontal rods and a slider tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If free-hand 3D pen drawing is used to create 3D objects, then creativity and flexibility are improved, but manufacturing precision and structural stability deteriorate due to plastic filament instability before hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a template as an intermediary between the user's creative intent and the final 3D object. The template with pre-defined grooves acts as a mediator that guides the unstable plastic filament, providing structural support and precise positioning while the user draws freely. This resolves the contradiction by allowing creative freedom in design selection while ensuring manufacturing precision through the template's physical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The template is prepared in advance with pre-defined grooves and geometric patterns before the 3D drawing process begins. This preliminary action of creating the guiding structure beforehand enables the user to focus on creative aspects while the pre-prepared template ensures precise formation and stability during the actual drawing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If template-guided 3D pen drawing is used to improve precision, then device complexity increases due to additional components like rotatable platforms and slider assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a base assembly with rotatable platform, a template mounting mechanism, and a slider assembly with horizontal rods. Each module performs a specific function (rotation, positioning, layer support) and can be independently adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows the user to engage only the complexity level needed for each project while maintaining high precision when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements such as the rotatable platform that can rotate to different angles, and the slider assembly that can move horizontally to accommodate different layer positions. These dynamic features allow the device to adapt to various design requirements without being overly complex for simpler tasks, as the additional components can be used selectively.
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
Enables the creation of high-quality, precise 3D objects by stabilizing the plastic filament and ensuring accurate alignment and fusion of layers.
Implementation Method 1
3D pens work by heating plastic filament and extruding it through a tip
Implementation Method 2
As the plastic cools and hardens, it can be used to 'draw' 3D objects
Implementation Method 3
As the plastic cools and hardens, it can be used to 'draw' 3D objects
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for creating three-dimensional (3D) object from a template. The system has a base assembly with a frame and a platform on top of the frame. The platform is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis. The base assembly has a rod, vertically protruding from the platform, and a slider assembly. The slider assembly has a slider pole securely fixed to the frame, a slider tool slidably and rotatably affixed to the slider pole through a central opening, and at least two horizontal rods configured to slide horizontally through corresponding side openings. A tightener for securing the horizontal rods in a predetermined position is also provided.