Build Material Outlet Structure for Leak-Safe Pneumatic Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing systems face challenges in ensuring reliable and efficient transfer of build materials from containers to 3D printers, often resulting in material loss and leakage due to inadequate connection mechanisms between build material containers and transport systems.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a build material outlet structure with a connector and nozzle structure that provides a sealed aspiration channel for pneumatic transport, utilizing magnetic retaining elements for secure alignment and a valve system to prevent material loss during engagement and disengagement, ensuring precise and reliable material transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a connector mechanism is used to transfer build material from container to nozzle, then material transfer efficiency is improved, but material loss and leakage occur due to inadequate sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is extracted as a separate functional component within the nozzle structure, allowing it to be independently controlled to close the aspiration channel during disengagement. This prevents material leakage while maintaining efficient transfer during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic retaining elements act as intermediary components that mediate the connection between outlet structure and nozzle structure. They provide secure alignment and maintain sealing contact without requiring direct mechanical fastening, thus preventing material loss during engagement transitions.
2Reliability
If magnetic retaining elements are used for alignment, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic retaining elements replace complex mechanical fastening or alignment mechanisms. The magnetic field provides both attraction for secure connection and positional guidance, simplifying the overall device structure while enhancing connection reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a sealed aspiration channel is used for pneumatic transport, then material transfer precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to valve system
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is merged with the nozzle structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate assembly. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the sealed aspiration channel necessary for precise material transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element is designed to be automatically actuated by the insertion or removal of the outlet structure, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms. The system self-regulates the sealing state based on connection status, reducing complexity while ensuring precision.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability and efficiency of build material transfer, reducing material loss and leakage while maintaining a secure connection, thereby improving the overall additive manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing magnetic retaining elements for secure alignment
Implementation Method 2
sealed aspiration channel for pneumatic transport
Data Source
AI summary
A build material container outlet structure, and a build material nozzle structure is described. The build material container outlet structure comprises a connector to releasably connect to a nozzle structure of an external aspiration system. The outlet structure comprises an aspiration channel to aspire build material from a build material container to the nozzle structure of the external aspiration system. The outlet structure comprises a protrusion protruding from an inner wall of the aspiration channel, to extend into an end portion of a tube of the nozzle structure that is inserted into the aspiration channel and retain a valve element of the nozzle structure in an open configuration.