Adjustable Nozzle for Reinforced 3D-Printed Concrete
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reinforcement solutions for 3D-printed concrete and mortar lack the ability to control the position and quantity of reinforcing materials within the printed cross-section, leading to inefficient reinforcement and potential cracking due to uneven stress distribution.
Innovation Solution
A device that allows for the adjustable positioning and controlled supply of reinforcing materials, such as steel and fibers, within the nozzle by rotating and adjusting the tube's position and using a flap to displace materials, enabling precise placement based on stress analysis, and incorporating interruption and resumption mechanisms for targeted reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcement materials are manually inserted or uniformly distributed in 3D-printed concrete, then the structural strength is improved, but the material usage efficiency deteriorates due to reinforcement in areas that do not require it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements positionable tubes that can be precisely positioned within the nozzle to deliver reinforcement materials only to specific locations within the printed layer. This allows reinforcement to be placed locally where stress analysis indicates it is needed, rather than uniformly distributing reinforcement throughout the entire structure, thereby improving material usage efficiency while maintaining structural strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If the same reinforcement materials are used throughout the structure, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different stress patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs positionable tubes that can be dynamically adjusted to different positions within the nozzle during the printing process. This dynamic positioning capability allows the reinforcement placement to adapt to varying stress patterns in different regions of the structure, while the automated control system maintains manufacturing simplicity by coordinating tube positions with the printing process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If reinforcement is placed in the neutral axis area, then the material distribution is uniform, but the reinforcement effectiveness deteriorates due to minimal tensile or compressive forces in that region
Solution Approach 1:
The positionable tubes enable precise control over reinforcement placement, allowing the system to avoid placing reinforcement in the neutral axis where it would be ineffective. Instead, the tubes can be positioned to deliver reinforcement materials to regions experiencing higher tensile or compressive forces, optimizing reinforcement effectiveness while maintaining controlled material distribution.
4Strength
If the printing process is interrupted for manual reinforcement insertion, then the reinforcement can be added, but the productivity deteriorates due to process interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reinforcement insertion function with the continuous printing process by integrating positionable tubes into the nozzle system. This allows reinforcement materials to be delivered simultaneously with the printing operation, eliminating the need to interrupt printing for manual reinforcement insertion, thereby maintaining productivity while achieving effective reinforcement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (100) for dispensing a hydraulically hardening building material (2), such as concrete, mortar, binder, and the like, wherein at least one further medium (3), for example, steel, is introduced into the building material, comprising a nozzle (1) for supplying the liquid, pasty, or plastic building material (2), wherein at least one pipe (11) projects into the nozzle (1) for supplying at least one further medium (3). According to the invention, the position of the opening of at least one pipe (11) within the cross-section of the nozzle (1) is adjustable. This makes it possible, for example, to introduce cable-shaped reinforcement materials into the areas of the building material (2) or component that are subject to higher mechanical stress. Furthermore, the use of the device in 3D printing is presented.