Adjustable Filament Feeding Device for 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filament feeding devices for 3D-printing struggle to effectively feed filaments with varying materials, diameters, and surface properties, leading to deformation or improper engagement of softer or harder filaments.
Innovation Solution
A filament feeding device with adjustable separation distances between feeding wheels, allowing for distinct setting of separation distances through an adjuster element with a cam curve slot, enabling better adaptation to different filament types and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed separation distance between feeding wheels is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively feed filaments with varying materials, diameters, and surface properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the separation distance between feeding wheels adjustable rather than fixed. The first and second feeding wheels can be positioned at different separation distances according to the specific filament being fed, allowing the device to adapt to various filament materials, diameters, and surface properties. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility without requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the separation distance parameter to be modified based on filament characteristics. By changing this geometric parameter, the device can optimize its feeding performance for different filament types (softer vs. harder, different diameters, different surface properties). This directly addresses the adaptability requirement while maintaining a relatively simple device structure that only requires adjustable positioning mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the separation distance between feeding wheels is increased, then softer filaments can be fed without deformation, but harder filaments may not be properly engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by enabling dynamic parameter changes in the separation distance based on filament hardness and material properties. For softer filaments, a larger separation distance prevents deformation, while for harder filaments, a smaller separation distance ensures proper engagement. The ability to adjust this parameter allows the device to optimize performance for each specific filament type, eliminating the need to choose a fixed separation distance that compromises either deformation prevention or engagement reliability.
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 achieves effective and repeatable feeding of various filament types by fine-tuning the engagement of feeding wheels with the filament, minimizing deformation and ensuring proper engagement, thereby enhancing the reliability and versatility of the 3D-printing process.
Implementation Method 1
an adjuster element configured to move said first rotational shaft relative the second rotational shaft by engaging the first rotational shaft with a cam curve slot
Data Source
AI summary
A filament feeding device (100) for use in 3D-printing comprising a first feeding wheel (110) configured to rotate with a first rotational shaft (112) and a second feeding wheel (120) configured to rotate with a second rotational shaft (122). The first and second feeding wheels (110, 120) are separated by a separation distance so as to allow feeding of a filament material received between said first and second filament wheels (110, 120). The filament feeding device further comprises an adjuster element (130) movable between a first distinct position (130a) setting said separation distance to a first predetermined distance, and into a second distinct position (130b) setting said separation distance to a second predetermined distance, and wherein said second predetermined separation distance is larger than said first predetermined separation distance. Further, a 3D-printer comprising such a filament feeding device is herein disclosed.