3D Shaping Apparatus Dual Nozzle Flushing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional shaping apparatuses face challenges in effectively removing powders from nozzles during flushing operations, particularly when using various materials, leading to potential liquid ejection failures due to powder mixing in the nozzle.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional shaping apparatus with a control unit that manages two heads, one ejecting a binder and the other ceramic particles, performing flushing operations under different conditions to prevent powder mixing and ensure effective discharge, including varying frequencies, voltages, and ejection rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flushing operation is performed under the same ejection condition as when the three-dimensional shaped article is produced, then the control is simplified, but the powder mixed in the nozzle cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flushing conditions variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts ejection conditions (voltage, frequency, waveform) based on the type of liquid being ejected (binder vs. colloidal/polymeric ink) and the specific flushing needs of each head, enabling effective powder removal while maintaining operational simplicity through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying multiple ejection parameters including voltage amplitude, waveform frequency, and pulse width during flushing operations. The control unit changes these parameters differently for the first head (binder ejection) and second head (colloidal/polymeric ink ejection), optimizing powder removal effectiveness for each specific liquid type and head configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various powders and liquids are used for producing three-dimensional shaped articles, then the versatility is improved, but powder is thrown up and mixed in the nozzle, causing liquid ejection failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ejection system into two separate heads with specialized functions: the first head ejects binder liquid and the second head ejects colloidal or polymeric ink. Each head can be independently controlled and flushed with optimized parameters, preventing cross-contamination of different powders and liquids while maintaining versatility in material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flushing operations as an intermediary mechanism between different ejection operations. By performing targeted flushing with appropriate liquids (binder for first head, colloidal/polymeric ink for second head) under optimized conditions, the system effectively removes powder residues that would otherwise cause ejection failures, enabling reliable operation with various materials.
3Device complexity
If the flushing operation uses the same ejection condition for both heads, then the device complexity is reduced, but the powder removal effectiveness varies for different liquid types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional control unit that manages both heads with different ejection characteristics using a single integrated system. The control unit universally applies the principle of differentiated flushing conditions, automatically selecting appropriate voltage, frequency, and waveform parameters based on the liquid type and head configuration, achieving high precision powder removal without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
This approach allows for precise formation of three-dimensional shaped articles by preventing binder flow beyond boundaries, facilitating complete removal of ceramic particles during sintering, and effectively discharging powders from nozzles, thereby enhancing the precision and reliability of the shaping process.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element 35 that changes volume by deforming when a voltage is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shaping apparatus includes a shaping table, a layer forming section that forms a powder layer at the shaping table, a first head that ejects a liquid containing a binder to a shaping region from a first nozzle, a second head that ejects a liquid containing ceramic particles to a boundary region with respect to the shaping region from a second nozzle, and a control unit that controls movement of the first head and the second head with respect to the shaping table and driving of the first head and the second head by applying a voltage, wherein the control unit performs control so as to cause the first head to execute a first flushing operation and to cause the second head to execute a second flushing operation under a flushing condition different from that for the first flushing operation.