3D Printer Switching Device for Consumable Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In existing 3D printing devices with two nozzles, consumables for one nozzle interfere with the other when nozzles are replaced, affecting printing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with a rack, extrusion assembly, pushing assembly, and driving assembly that includes a driving roller, pressing wheels, and limiting walls to stabilize consumables at preset positions, reducing interference during nozzle switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two groups of consumables are transported through rotation of the driving roller, then the consumables can be supplied to two nozzles, but the consumables for one nozzle interfere with the other when nozzles are replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the consumable transport system into independent segments by introducing separate pressing wheels for each transport channel. Each pressing wheel independently controls the consumable in its respective channel, preventing interference between consumables for different nozzles during replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressing wheels as intermediary elements between the driving roller and the consumables. These pressing wheels act as mediators that can independently control and stabilize consumables in each transport channel, eliminating the harmful interference effect while maintaining the functionality of supplying consumables to multiple nozzles.
2Ease of operation
If consumables are transported through the driving roller, then the nozzles can be supplied with material, but the consumables need to be repositioned when nozzles are replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using pressing wheels to pre-position and stabilize consumables in each transport channel before nozzle replacement occurs. The consumables are already in the correct position and state when the nozzle needs to be replaced, eliminating the need for time-consuming repositioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pressing wheels independently controllable and movable. This dynamic capability allows the pressing wheels to adaptively adjust and stabilize consumables in real-time, ensuring consumables remain properly positioned during nozzle replacement operations without requiring manual intervention or repositioning.
3Device complexity
If consumables are transported in close proximity, then the device structure is compact, but the nozzles may scratch during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pressing wheels as intermediary elements between the consumables and the nozzles. These pressing wheels provide stabilization and control, preventing direct contact or interference between consumables and nozzles during switching operations, thereby eliminating the scratching hazard while maintaining compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using pressing wheels to preemptively stabilize and control consumables before any potential harmful interaction with nozzles can occur. This preventive measure ensures that even in compact configurations where nozzles and consumables are in close proximity, the nozzles are protected from scratching during switching operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a switching device and a 3D printing apparatus. The switching device includes a rack, an extrusion assembly, a pushing assembly and a driving assembly. The extrusion assembly is connected to the rack and includes a driving roller and a first pressing wheel and a second pressing wheel located on a circumferential outer side of the driving roller. Transport channels allowing consumables to pass are formed between the driving roller and the first pressing wheel and between the driving roller and the second pressing wheel for passing a consumable. The driving assembly and the pushing assembly are connected to the rack; the pushing assembly includes a pushing portion, and the pushing portion is capable of pushing a target consumable to move relative to driving roller to a preset position corresponding to the target consumable under a drive of the driving assembly, so as to restrict the target consumable from moving.