3D Printer Resume Control via G-Code Position Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D printing devices face challenges in resuming printing after interruptions due to power failures or material shortages, leading to incomplete products and increased costs from uninterruptible power supply (UPS) installations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that calculate the interruption position by storing and retrieving printing command data in non-volatile memory, allowing the controller to resume printing from the correct position without a UPS, using G-codes and timers to determine the print head's location and unfinished commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a UPS is installed to ensure complete execution of printing commands during power failures, then printing reliability is improved, but device cost and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting reliabilityVSAvoiddevice cost and volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical UPS system with a software-based solution using G-code command structure and timer interruption handling. The controller tracks printing progress through programmed commands and can resume from the last recorded position without requiring additional hardware power supply equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital record of the printing command sequence and uses this information to reconstruct the printing state after interruption. By storing and retrieving the last executed command position, the system copies the necessary state information to enable resumption without physical power backup equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If printing resumes after interruption without tracking the interruption position, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to incorrect resumption position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidprinting position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously tracking the execution position through G-code command processing and timer interruptions. When power is restored, the system queries the last recorded command position and uses this feedback information to accurately reposition the print head and resume printing from the correct location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-structuring the printing process into discrete G-code commands with associated position and timing information. This preliminary command structure enables the system to quickly determine the interruption point and accurately resume without complex real-time calculations during recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the print head moves to the correct interruption position before resuming printing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to position calculation and movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting position accuracyVSAvoidtime for position recovery
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the position information within each G-code command structure. When resuming printing, the system retrieves the stored position data and directly moves to the recorded location, avoiding the need for complex real-time position calculations and reducing recovery time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3378630B13D printing device and resume printing method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 XYZPRINTING
  • EP3378630B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3378630B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3378630B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A 3D printing device (100) and a resume printing method thereof are provided. The method includes: executing (S301) printing commands sequentially to control a print head for printing (101) ; obtaining (S307) a first printing command executed when a printing interruption occurs, and resuming (S315) printing according to the first printing command.