3D Printer With Secondary Nozzle For Cavity Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies are limited in their ability to create complex multi-component devices that require embedded compounds, sterilization, and additional features such as insulation, as they lack the capability to integrate secondary features like dispensing nozzles for chemicals or foams within the printing process.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a second dispensing nozzle with 3D printers to fill cavities with compounds, embed additional elements for strength, and modify mold properties, including the use of chemical dispensing, foaming, and vacuum environments to enhance the printed parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional 3D printing is used, then simple single-component parts can be produced, but complex multi-component devices with embedded compounds and additional features cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single 3D printing system by integrating a second dispensing nozzle alongside the primary printing nozzle. This allows the system to simultaneously perform 3D printing and secondary operations such as cavity filling with compounds, embedding parts, and applying insulation materials, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified 3D printing system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating additional nozzles that can dispense various compounds (insulation materials, chemicals, foams) and embed different types of parts. This universal system can handle multiple manufacturing operations that previously required separate processes, enabling the creation of complex multi-component devices with embedded compounds and additional features.
2Reliability
If secondary features like sterilization and embedding are added to 3D printing, then functional capabilities improve, but the printing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by embedding parts, applying insulation materials, and filling cavities with compounds during the 3D printing process itself, before the parts are removed from the printer. This integration of secondary operations into the primary printing process improves functional capabilities while managing complexity through coordinated multi-nozzle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by embedding parts and compounds within the printed structure during the layer-by-layer construction process. The second nozzle deposits materials and embeds components that become integrated into the final part structure, allowing functional features to be built-in rather than added separately, thereby improving reliability while controlling process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for multi-stage printing teaches a 3D printer in combination with one or more additional dispensing nozzles. One or more additional dispensing nozzles are combined with the 3D for filling cavities with other compounds such as foam, sterilizing parts by spraying printed mold with disinfectant or antibacterial treatments, and embedding parts or other materials such as paper, fiberglass, or carbon fiber within the printing layers for additional strength and changing mold properties of a final product. In other embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention can be used in combination with a robotic packaging mechanism for bagging sterilized parts for shipment.