3D Shaping Device Synchronized Cleaning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional shaping devices face accuracy issues due to residue from the nozzle adhering to shaped objects during cleaning, as the cleaning mechanism must move over long distances, leading to material drop-off and reduced shaping precision.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional shaping device with a moving unit that synchronizes the movement of the discharge unit and cleaning mechanism relative to the stage, incorporating a cleaning mechanism with a purge unit and brush to effectively clean the nozzle without interfering with the discharge process, and a heating unit to enhance layer adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cleaning mechanism is positioned far from the discharge unit to avoid interfering with the shaping process, then the cleaning mechanism can operate independently, but the cleaning mechanism must move over long distances which causes residue to drop and adhere to the shaped object, reducing shaping accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism is integrated with the discharge unit so that they move together as a single assembly. The cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning head with a brush that contacts the nozzle of the discharge unit, allowing cleaning to occur at the same location where material is discharged, eliminating the need for long-distance movement and preventing residue drop-off onto the shaped object
2Ease of manufacture
If the cleaning mechanism moves to a fixed cleaning station, then the cleaning operation can be standardized, but the discharge unit must also move long distances which causes residue to drop during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism is self-contained and moves with the discharge unit, allowing the system to clean itself at any position during the shaping process. The heating unit integrated into the cleaning mechanism heats the nozzle to prevent residue accumulation, and the brush cleans the nozzle surface, enabling continuous cleaning without moving to a separate station
3Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning mechanism is positioned close to the discharge unit, then the moving distance is reduced, but the cleaning mechanism may interfere with the material discharge process
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a heating unit with a heating element that contacts the nozzle, and a brush unit with bristles that clean the nozzle surface. These segmented components are arranged to perform cleaning functions without obstructing the material discharge path, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining close positioning
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 configuration reduces the cleaning mechanism's moving distance, prevents residue from adhering to shaped objects, and improves shaping accuracy by ensuring the cleaning mechanism does not interfere with the discharge process, while also enhancing layer adhesion through concurrent heating.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit to enhance layer adhesion
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shaping device includes: a discharge unit having a nozzle and configured to discharge a material toward a stage; a cleaning mechanism configured to clean the nozzle; and a moving unit configured to move the discharge unit and the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage. The moving unit is configured to move the cleaning mechanism relative to the stage in conjunction with the movement of the discharge unit relative to the stage.