3D Printer Head and Sensor Z-Axis Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional object printing apparatuses face issues with ink jet head collisions during printing due to measurement errors or misalignment of the target object, which can lead to printing inaccuracies and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional object printing apparatus with independent movement mechanisms for the head unit and sensor unit along the Z-axis, allowing for precise positioning and collision prevention by scanning the workpiece with the sensor unit before printing, ensuring the head unit maintains a safe distance and preventing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the ink jet head and sensor unit share a common movement mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of collision between the ink jet head and workpiece increases due to measurement errors or misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common movement mechanism into two independent movement mechanisms: a first movement mechanism for the ink jet head and a second movement mechanism for the sensor unit. This segmentation allows each component to be controlled independently, enabling the sensor unit to detect workpiece position and the ink jet head to adjust its position accordingly, thus preventing collisions while maintaining operational reliability.
2Reliability
If the sensor unit and head unit move independently, then collision prevention capability is improved, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the sensor unit continuously detects the position of the workpiece surface, and this position information is fed back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the ink jet head's position based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically prevents collisions while managing the complexity of independent movement mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a single movement mechanism is used for both sensor unit and head unit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision decreases due to coupled movement errors
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the movement control into independent mechanisms for the sensor unit and ink jet head, each mechanism can be optimized for its specific function. The sensor unit's movement mechanism can be optimized for detection accuracy, while the ink jet head's mechanism can be optimized for positioning precision, thereby improving overall manufacturing precision despite increased operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional object printing apparatus includes: a head unit including a head that ejects a liquid toward a three-dimensional workpiece along a Z axis; a sensor unit including a sensor that detects a positional relationship with respect to the workpiece; and a movement mechanism that change positions of the head unit and the sensor unit with respect to the workpiece, in which the movement mechanism includes a first Z-axis movement mechanism that changes the position of the sensor unit with respect to the workpiece along the Z axis, and a second Z-axis movement mechanism that changes the position of the head unit with respect to the workpiece along the Z axis, and the first Z-axis movement mechanism and the second Z-axis movement mechanism move the sensor unit and the head unit independently of each other.