3D Printing Arm Pressure Control for Stable Ink Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional-object printing apparatuses experience changes in ink ejection characteristics due to variations in pressure caused by changes in the positional relationship between the ink jet head and the ink tank, leading to inconsistent printing quality.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional-object printing apparatus with a liquid accumulation section, a supply channel, and a pressure control valve integrated into the supply channel, along with a movable arm that adjusts the angle of the liquid ejecting head, ensures consistent ink pressure by stabilizing the liquid supply despite changes in the positional relationship between the liquid ejecting head and the accumulation section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ink jet head moves to different positions to print on three-dimensional objects, then the printing versatility and coverage are improved, but the ink pressure changes due to water head difference, causing ejection characteristics to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure control valve is introduced as an intermediary device between the ink tank and the ink jet head. This valve actively regulates ink pressure, compensating for water head differences that occur when the ink jet head moves to different positions. The pressure control valve serves as a mediator that maintains stable ejection characteristics despite changes in the positional relationship between the ink tank and ink jet head, thereby resolving the contradiction between printing versatility and ejection reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ink jet head is positioned at various heights and angles, then the ability to print on complex three-dimensional surfaces is improved, but the pressure of ink in the jet head fluctuates, leading to inconsistent printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a pressure control valve that continuously monitors and adjusts ink pressure based on the positional relationship between the ink tank and ink jet head. This feedback mechanism ensures that even when the ink jet head is positioned at various heights and angles to access complex three-dimensional surfaces, the ink pressure remains stable, thereby maintaining consistent printing quality across different printing positions and orientations
3Reliability
If a pressure control valve is added to regulate ink pressure, then ejection characteristics are stabilized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pneumatic and hydraulic principles by employing a pressure control valve that operates within the ink supply system's fluid dynamics. This approach leverages the existing hydraulic nature of ink flow to implement pressure regulation, which is more integrated and less complex than alternative mechanical or electronic pressure control systems. The pressure control valve is designed to work seamlessly with the ink's fluid properties, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ejection stability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution maintains consistent ink ejection characteristics, enhancing printing quality and stability by regulating ink pressure through the pressure control valve, even when the positional relationship between the liquid ejecting head and the accumulation section changes.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure control valve that is provided halfway in the supply channel and controls a pressure of the liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting head
Implementation Method 2
an ink jet head that ejects ink; a supply channel which enables the ink accumulation section and the ink jet head to communicate with each other and along which the ink is supplied from the ink accumulation section to the ink jet head
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional-object printing apparatus includes: a base; an arm supported by the base; a liquid ejecting head that is fixed to a tip end of the arm and ejects a liquid onto a work piece; a liquid accumulation section that accumulates the liquid; a supply channel which enables the liquid accumulation section and the liquid ejecting head to communicate with each other and along which the liquid is supplied from the liquid accumulation section to the liquid ejecting head; and a pressure control valve that is provided halfway in the supply channel and controls a pressure of the liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting head, in which the arm includes N movable sections that three-dimensionally change a position and an orientation of the liquid ejecting head, N being 1 or more, and the pressure control valve is fixed to the arm.