3D Printer Head Yaw Angle Adjustment for Nozzle Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional object printing apparatuses using ink jet methods face issues with nozzle clogging due to ink thickening or solidification caused by external light or air drying, leading to ejection failures.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional object printing apparatus with a robot arm and a cap portion that covers the nozzle surface, allowing for different yaw angles during capping and printing operations, reducing ink thickening and nozzle clogging, and minimizing damage to the arm and piping systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle surface is left exposed during non-printing periods, then the robot can easily access the nozzle for maintenance, but the ink thickens or solidifies causing nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The cap portion is moved to cover the nozzle surface before the printing operation resumes, preventing ink thickening and solidification in advance. This preliminary protective action ensures the nozzle remains clear and functional when printing restarts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap portion serves as an intermediary element between the nozzle surface and the external environment. By introducing this intermediate component, the system protects the ink from harmful environmental factors (light and air) without requiring fundamental changes to the printing process or robot operations.
2Ease of operation
If the robot returns to the same position for capping operation, then the operation is simple and consistent, but the arm and piping components experience repeated twisting and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces asymmetric positioning by specifying different yaw angles for the head during capping operation versus printing operation. This asymmetric approach prevents the robot from returning to the same position, thereby distributing mechanical stress and preventing repeated twisting of the arm and piping components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the head's yaw angle based on the operational mode (capping vs. printing). By making the orientation dynamic rather than fixed, the system adapts to different operational requirements and prevents repetitive mechanical stress on the robot's arm and piping systems.
3Reliability
If the cap portion covers the nozzle surface during non-printing periods, then ink thickening is prevented, but the robot arm and piping may be damaged due to repeated positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the yaw angle parameter of the robot head based on the operational state. During capping operation, the head is positioned at a specific yaw angle, while during printing operation, the yaw angle is adjusted to a different value. This parameter change enables the cap to cover the nozzle effectively while minimizing repeated mechanical stress on the robot arm and piping.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional object printing apparatus includes: a head having a nozzle surface; a robot that has a base portion that supports the head, and changes a position of the head with respect to the base portion; and a cap portion having a fixed position to the base portion to cover the nozzle surface, in which the three-dimensional object printing apparatus is configured to execute: a capping operation of causing the robot to locate the head at a position at which the nozzle surface is covered with the cap portion, and a printing operation of causing the head to eject the liquid to a work with respect to the work, and a yaw angle of the head during the execution of the capping operation and a yaw angle of the head during the execution of the printing operation are different from each other.