Adjustable 3D Printer Height via Dual Elevating Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printers face limitations in vertical print height, requiring large machine heights and restricting the ability to print objects of varying heights effectively.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable printing-height 3D printer design featuring a base, first and second elevating modules, nozzle bracket, and drivers, allowing the nozzle and working platform to move along axial directions, enabling adjustable height settings for enhanced printing flexibility and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 3D printers use fixed machine heights with large z-directional dimensions, then the machine structure is simple and stable, but the effective print height is limited and cannot accommodate objects of varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing elevating modules that enable the working platform and nozzle bracket to move vertically along the Z-axis. This transforms the fixed machine height into a dynamic, adjustable structure, allowing the effective print height to be changed according to different printing needs while maintaining structural stability through guided motion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vertical adjustment function into two independent elevating modules: one for the working platform and one for the nozzle bracket. This segmentation allows independent control of each component's height, providing greater flexibility in adjusting the print space and accommodating objects of varying heights without requiring complete restructuring of the machine.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 3D printers are designed with large machine heights to accommodate various print heights, then the print height range is sufficient, but the device occupies excessive space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing dynamically adjustable elevating modules, the machine can compact its vertical profile when not in use by lowering the working platform and/or raising the nozzle bracket to minimize the occupied space. During operation, the same modules extend the print height range as needed, thus resolving the contradiction between large print height capability and compact storage.
3Ease of operation
If conventional 3D printers use fixed nozzle and platform positions, then the machine structure is simple, but the operational flexibility for different object heights is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning capabilities through elevating modules controlled by drivers, enabling the nozzle bracket and working platform to be positioned at different heights according to the specific printing task. This dynamic control system, while adding complexity, provides significant operational flexibility for printing objects of varying heights and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates position detection mechanisms that provide feedback on the actual positions of the working platform and nozzle bracket. This feedback enables precise control and coordination of the two elevating modules, ensuring accurate positioning and maintaining appropriate distances between the nozzle and platform during printing operations.
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 printer to accommodate objects of varying heights by adjusting the nozzle and working platform heights, increasing operational range and reducing space occupancy when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
The raw materials for molding that are solid at room temperature are pushed into the heating element via the guide tube by the feed motor, and the solid raw materials are melt by the heating element
Implementation Method 2
The first screw rod is disposed on the base and engages with the nozzle bracket in a screw arrangement. The first driver drives the first screw rod to rotate, so as to move the nozzle bracket along the first axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable printing-height three-dimensional printer includes a base, an elevating module, a working platform, a nozzle bracket, a printing nozzle, and a driver. The elevating module is disposed on the base. The working platform is located proximal to the base. The nozzle bracket is operably engaged with the first elevating module. The printing nozzle is operably engaged with the nozzle bracket and is configured to print on the working platform. The driver is configured to drive the elevating module to move the nozzle bracket along an axial direction, so as to make the printing nozzle to move toward or away from the working platform.