3D Shaping Device Screw Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional shaping devices face challenges in stabilizing the discharge of molten material from the nozzle, particularly when the pressure gauge measurements vary during start and stop cycles, leading to unstable screw rotation and discharge issues.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional shaping device is designed with a plasticization unit, a drive unit, a supply flow path, a nozzle, a discharge amount adjusting mechanism, a pressure measuring portion, and a control unit. The control unit adjusts the screw rotation based on pressure measurements, using different control strategies during active and paused discharge phases to maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure value measured by the pressure gauge varies when the discharge of the molten material from the nozzle is stopped, then the screw rotation becomes unstable, but if the discharge is restarted, it may be difficult to stably discharge the molten material from the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the control strategy based on the operational state. During stopped discharge, the control unit applies a first control strategy that allows larger adjustments to screw rotation to compensate for pressure variations. During restarted discharge, the control unit switches to a second control strategy with smaller adjustments to stabilize the discharge. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing control behavior for each operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters (degree of adjustment of screw rotation) based on the discharge state. When discharged is stopped, the control unit uses a larger degree of adjustment to compensate for pressure variations. When discharged is restarted, the control unit uses a smaller degree of adjustment to maintain stability. This parameter change strategy allows the system to handle the instability during restart while maintaining reliability during normal operation.
2Ease of operation
If the discharge of the molten material from the nozzle is stopped and restarted, then the shaping process can be controlled, but the pressure measurement becomes unreliable leading to unstable screw rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the pressure measurement and adjusts the screw rotation accordingly. When pressure variations are detected during stopped discharge, the control unit uses feedback to compensate for the measurement unreliability by applying a first control strategy with larger adjustments. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain operational control while adapting to the reduced measurement precision during stopped/restarted phases.
3Reliability
If the screw rotation is adjusted to compensate for pressure variations during stopped discharge, then the discharge stability is improved, but the screw rotation becomes more sensitive to pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically changes the sensitivity level based on the discharge state. During stopped discharge, the system uses a higher sensitivity control strategy with larger adjustments to compensate for pressure variations and maintain discharge stability. During restarted discharge, the system reduces sensitivity with smaller adjustments to prevent over-reaction to pressure changes. This dynamic sensitivity adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between stability and adaptability for each operational phase.
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 device effectively stabilizes the discharge of shaping material by adjusting screw rotation in response to pressure variations, preventing unstable discharge and ensuring consistent shaping performance.
Implementation Method 1
a plasticization unit having a screw and configured to plasticize a material into a shaping material using the rotating screw
Implementation Method 2
a pressure measuring portion configured to measure a pressure of the shaping material in the supply flow path between the plasticization unit and the valve portion
Implementation Method 3
a discharge amount adjusting mechanism having a valve portion provided in the supply flow path, and configured to switch between stop and restart of discharging of the shaping material from the nozzle by driving the valve portion
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shaping device includes a plasticization unit configured to plasticize a material into a shaping material using a rotating screw; a drive unit configured to rotate the screw; a supply flow path through which the shaping material flows; a nozzle configured to discharge the shaping material; a discharge amount adjusting mechanism configured to switch between stop and restart of discharge of the shaping material from the nozzle by a valve portion provided in the supply flow path; a pressure measuring portion configured to measure a pressure of the shaping material in the supply flow path between the plasticization unit and the valve portion; and a control unit configured to adjust rotation of the screw by controlling the drive unit according to a measured value of the pressure which is measured. The control unit controls the drive unit under a first control during a period when the discharge of the shaping material from the nozzle is not stopped, and controls the drive unit under a second control during a period when the discharge of the shaping material from the nozzle is stopped, and a degree of adjustment of the rotation of the screw under the second control is smaller than a degree of adjustment of the rotation of the screw under the first control.