Adjustable Slit-Type Extrusion Head for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extrusion-based additive manufacturing systems face inefficiencies in forming three-dimensional parts due to fixed-aperture extrusion heads, leading to low forming efficiency, high porosity, and mechanical weaknesses, along with challenges in precise control of extrusion flow and material degradation from flow stagnation.
Innovation Solution
A slit-adjustable-type extrusion head with a self-balancing channel structure and axial tensile force mechanism to maintain constant volume, preventing radial deformation and flow stagnation, enabling precise control and improved material flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed-aperture extrusion port is used, then the device structure is simple, but the forming efficiency is low and material extrusion capacity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic extrusion port by replacing the fixed aperture with an adjustable slit-type port controlled by a baffle block that can move along the extrusion direction. This allows the extrusion head to adapt its opening size dynamically, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can optimize material flow based on forming requirements, thereby improving productivity without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the extrusion port from a fixed circular aperture to an adjustable rectangular slit with variable length. By modifying the slit length parameter through baffle block positioning, the system can control extrusion flow rate and improve forming efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Manufacturing precision
If the channel volume changes with baffle block movement, then the extrusion flow can be adjusted, but precise control becomes complex and over-accumulation or insufficient accumulation defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the volume change issue by designing the channel with constant volume that is independent of baffle block position. The baffle block only adjusts the slit opening area without affecting the material reservoir volume, thereby simplifying the control system and enabling precise extrusion flow control without the complexity of coordinating volume changes, eliminating accumulation defects
3Productivity
If a baffle block moves to reduce extrusion flow, then the flow rate can be adjusted, but radial bending deformation occurs due to opposite axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterbalancing force mechanism where a spring or elastic element provides an opposing force to the axial extrusion force acting on the baffle block. This counterweight approach balances the forces during baffle block movement, preventing radial bending deformation and maintaining location precision while enabling flow rate adjustment
4Reliability
If a conventional channel structure is used, then the device is simple, but flow stagnation regions form causing material deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redesigns the channel structure with curved or rounded transitions instead of sharp angles, eliminating dead zones where material could stagnate. The curved channel geometry ensures continuous material flow without recirculation regions, preventing deterioration while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a slit-adjustable-type extrusion head. The slit-adjustable-type extrusion head includes a body being provided with an adjusting slide groove extending in an axial direction and a balancing slide part; a core being provided with an adjusting slider and a balancing adaptation part which match the adjusting slide groove and the balancing slide part in shape and are in sliding cooperation with the adjusting slide groove and the balancing slide part in a liquid-tight manner respectively; an inlet used for receiving a construction material; a channel jointly defined by the body and the core so as to accommodate the construction material; and a slit-type outlet that is jointly defined by the adjusting slide groove and the adjusting slider and used for extruding the construction material.