Angled Wiper Array for Additive Manufacturing Print Head Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing apparatuses face challenges in improving manufacturing throughput to meet commercial demands, particularly in removing contaminants from print heads to prevent nozzle clogging.
Innovation Solution
A wiper array with angled wiper blades and a multi-stage actuation system is integrated into a cleaning station, allowing for efficient cleaning of print heads by applying and removing cleaning fluid effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional single wiper blade cleaning systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the cleaning efficiency and manufacturing throughput are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple wiper blades (typically 3-5 blades) arranged in an array, each independently contacting the print head surface. This segmentation allows simultaneous cleaning of multiple areas, significantly improving cleaning efficiency and manufacturing throughput while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular blade design
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blades are arranged at an angle (typically 10-30 degrees) relative to the direction of print head movement, creating a cross-dimensional cleaning approach. This angular arrangement allows the blades to effectively scrape contaminants while the print head moves linearly, achieving superior cleaning performance without requiring complex multi-axis motion systems
2Productivity
If wiper blades are oriented at an angle greater than 0 and less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blades are oriented at a specific angle range (10-30 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the print head, optimized to balance cleaning efficiency with manufacturing precision requirements. This angular parameter change allows effective contaminant removal while maintaining tolerable alignment precision in the additive manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wiper blades are combined in an array configuration, where the collective action of several blades at angled orientations achieves superior cleaning efficiency. This merging approach distributes the cleaning function across multiple elements, reducing the precision burden on any single blade while maintaining overall system effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to additive manufacturing apparatuses, cleaning stations incorporated therein, and methods of cleaning using the cleaning stations.