3D Printing Adhesive Dispensing for Assembly Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual application of adhesives in 3D printed structures is prone to lack of precision, high cost, and potential for error during assembly, requiring a more efficient and accurate method for adhesive placement.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printer system with integrated reservoirs for polymers and adhesives, allowing for precise dispensing of adhesives directly onto the printed substructures during the printing process, enabling automated and controlled adhesive application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adhesive application is used during assembly, then flexibility in assembly process is maintained, but precision of adhesive placement deteriorates and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the 3D printing system and adhesive application system into a single integrated platform. The 3D printer includes both material extrusion capability for printing substructures and adhesive dispensing capability, allowing both functions to be performed by one system rather than separate manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D printing system automatically performs adhesive application without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by integrating the adhesive dispensing function into the printing process, eliminating the need for separate manual adhesive application steps.
2Productivity
If manual adhesive application is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but assembly cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application is performed continuously during the 3D printing process without interrupting the workflow. The system transitions seamlessly between printing substructure layers and applying adhesive, maintaining continuous productive action rather than requiring separate assembly steps after printing completes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two previously separate processes (3D printing and adhesive application) into a single integrated operation, allowing both functions to be performed in one continuous process rather than requiring separate equipment and operations.
3Reliability
If adhesive application is integrated into 3D printing, then assembly precision improves, but initial system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D printing system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both printing substructure materials and dispensing adhesive. This universal system performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated equipment, reducing the need for additional specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of separate printing and adhesive application systems into a single integrated platform, reducing the number of discrete components and potential interfaces while improving coordination and precision between functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A three dimensional (3D) printer and method for dispensing a material to form a 3D substructure and for dispensing an adhesive onto the 3D substructure. The adhesive printed onto the 3D substructure may be used to attach the 3D substructure to another substructure such as a conventionally formed substructure or another 3D printed substructure. Printing the adhesive using the 3D printer during the same 3D manufacturing process used to print the 3D substructure may improve precision of the location at which the adhesive is dispensed, thereby improving the quality of superstructure created by joining the substructures. An embodiment of the present teachings may decrease the overall time and cost to attach substructures.