3D Printing Discharge Unit Spatial Structure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing three-dimensional objects through additive construction lack the ability to individually influence the spatial structure and geometric properties, leading to uneven shrinkage and difficulty in achieving desired spatial structures, especially in small batch sizes.
Innovation Solution
A method that programmably discharges material to create selected spatial structures by varying drop size, duration, and type, allowing for direct influence over the flow behavior and geometric properties of the object, using a pressurized material reservoir and a plastifying unit similar to injection molding technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If material is applied by placing drop against drop or drop against strand without individual influence on spatial structure, then production can be performed without tools, but the spatial structure cannot be individually produced or influenced leading to uneven shrinkage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by defining structurally different regions within the object and assigning different configuration criteria to each region. The control unit controls the discharge unit to discharge material differently in different regions - for example, varying drop size, discharge frequency, or material composition based on the specific spatial requirements of each region. This enables precise control over spatial structure and geometric properties in different parts of the object while maintaining tool-free production.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different materials are used in additive construction, then diverse properties can be achieved, but uneven shrinkage occurs causing geometry deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses geometric accuracy with multiple materials by dynamically changing discharge parameters based on the material being used. The control unit adjusts configuration criteria such as discharge pressure, drop size, discharge frequency, and layer thickness according to the specific material properties. This compensates for different shrinkage rates of different materials, ensuring that the final geometry matches the intended design despite using diverse materials with varying thermal and mechanical properties.
3Manufacturing precision
If high pressure is applied during material discharge, then material flow behavior can be controlled, but the complexity of the discharge system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a discharge unit designed with multi-functionality that can operate across a wide range of pressures and discharge modes. The discharge unit is configured to handle different materials and produce different spatial structures (drops, strands, continuous flow) using a single integrated system. The control unit provides universal control over discharge parameters, enabling precise material distribution control without requiring multiple specialized discharge mechanisms, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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
Enables the creation of objects with tailored spatial structures and mechanical properties, eliminating the need for post-treatment and allowing for the production of complex geometries with precise control over the spatial structure and surface quality.
Implementation Method 1
The material is discharged directly from a pressurized or pressurizable material reservoir, preferably drop by drop
Implementation Method 2
which is liquefied in a manner similar to injection molding by way of a plastifying unit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional object (50) by means of generative construction in a direct constructional sequence from at least one solidifiable material. At least one material component is discharged in a programmable way via a control device in the direct constructional sequence and, as a result of the discharge, produces structurally different regions of the object (50) that are joined together, wherein geometric relationships obtained during the discharge already correspond to the object (50). The fact that configuration criteria for the structurally different regions of the object (50) are predefined to the control device by using a selection, and that the discharge unit is controlled by the control device during the discharge of the at least one material component for the structurally different regions of the object by using the selected configuration criteria in order to configure a three-dimensional structure desired for the respective region of the object, means that a method is provided by means of which the discharge of the material can be carried out in accordance with individual requirements on the object.