3D Pen Multi-Filament Selection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D pens require users to frequently replace filaments to achieve different colors, making the process cumbersome and inconvenient for creating objects with varied colors.
Innovation Solution
A 3D pen with a novel structure featuring a guide block with multiple supply passages, transfer rollers, and a driving motor that allows for easy selection and discharge of filaments of various colors, enabling the user to switch between colors without manual filament replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single filament supply system is used, then the device structure is simple, but the user must manually replace filaments to change colors, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The filament supply system is segmented into multiple independent channels, each capable of supplying a different colored filament. The guide block is divided into multiple guide holes, and the driving motor can selectively drive transfer rollers for different color filaments through gear engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving motor serves multiple functions by selectively engaging with different transfer rollers through the adjustment lever mechanism. A single motor can drive transfer rollers for different colored filaments, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate motors for each color.
2Ease of operation
If multiple filaments are supplied simultaneously, then color selection is easier, but the supply unit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The supply unit incorporates dynamic selection capability through the adjustment lever that can rotate to different angles. This allows the system to dynamically switch between different colored filaments based on user input, transforming a static single-color supply into a dynamic multi-color supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's color selection input and the motor-driven filament transfer system. It translates user intent into mechanical engagement between the driving motor and the appropriate transfer roller, simplifying the control interface.
3Productivity
If manual filament replacement is required, then the device structure is simple, but time is lost during color changes
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filaments of different colors are pre-loaded into the supply unit through separate guide holes. The system prepares all color options in advance, allowing instant switching by simply rotating the adjustment lever to engage the driving motor with the corresponding transfer roller, eliminating the need for manual filament replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of removing and inserting filaments is replaced by a motor-driven transfer mechanism. The driving motor automatically feeds filaments through transfer rollers, substituting manual labor with automated mechanical systems for faster color switching.
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 easy selection and use of multiple colored filaments, simplifying the process of creating objects with varied colors by allowing the user to rotate the adjustment lever to connect the driving motor to different transfer rollers, thereby selectively moving and discharging filaments of different colors.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit (30) configured to heat the filaments (1) to be discharged through the discharge hole (12)
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of transfer rollers (22) which are provided in the guide block (21) so as to be positioned at middle portions of the supply passages (21a), come into close contact with the filaments (1) passing through the supply passages (21a), and are rotated to transfer the supplied filaments (1) forward and rearward
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional (3D) pen with a novel structure which enables filaments having various colors to be easily selected and used. According to the 3D pen according to the present invention, a user laterally rotates the adjustment lever (25) to allow the driving motor (24) to be connected to different transfer rollers (22), thereby selectively transferring and discharging a plurality of different filaments (1) forward. Therefore, the 3D pen has a very simple structure and has an advantage in that the filaments (1) having various colors can be easily selected to manufacture objects having various colors.