3D Print Cartridge with Embedded Code for Design Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing systems require manual intervention to change filament spools, leading to risks of printing parts that do not conform to their intended design, and involve complex executable code instructions and excessive material usage.
Innovation Solution
A print cartridge with an integrated module for accessing executable code instructions and a reserve of printing material, including a fusible filament supply system with a heating nozzle and sensors, ensures precise material usage and limited code instruction execution for predetermined part production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual filament spool changing is used, then ease of operation is reduced and risk of design non-conformity increases, but device complexity is also reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filament supply, code instructions, and printing control into a single integrated cartridge unit. This merging ensures that only authorized materials and corresponding instructions are used together, preventing design non-conformity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge acts as an intermediary between the user and the printing system, pre-packaging both materials and instructions. This intermediary ensures that the correct combination of materials and code is used, improving reliability without requiring complex verification systems in the main printer.
2Reliability
If executable code instructions are transmitted via USB or memory card, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases due to potential unauthorized modification
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the code instructions with the physical cartridge containing the printing materials, the system ensures that instructions cannot be separated or modified independently. This guarantees instruction integrity while maintaining adaptability through the variety of available cartridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-packaged cartridges that contain exact copies of authorized instructions paired with authorized materials. This copying approach ensures that only verified instruction-material combinations are used, preventing unauthorized modification while allowing flexibility through multiple cartridge options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If filament spools are manually changed to vary material properties, then adaptability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to potential waste from incorrect material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge integrates specific materials with the instructions for using them, ensuring that only the correct material is used for each printing task. This prevents material waste from incorrect usage while maintaining adaptability through the availability of different cartridge types with various materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages material variety by changing the parameters of the cartridges themselves rather than allowing free variation of materials. Each cartridge is pre-configured with specific material properties and corresponding instructions, enabling adaptability while preventing waste through controlled parameter changes.
4Productivity
If unlimited printing capability is provided, then productivity is improved, but loss of information increases due to potential unauthorized reproduction
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge system merges printing materials with authorized instructions and usage limits. This ensures that printing capacity is maintained while preventing unauthorized reproduction, as the instructions and materials are tied together in a controlled unit that can track and limit usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through the cartridge that track printing usage and enforce limits. This allows productive printing within authorized boundaries while preventing unauthorized reproduction, as the cartridge can monitor and report on usage to maintain design protection.
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 solution reduces the risk of design deviations and material waste by providing a self-contained system for printing specific parts, limiting the number of prints and ensuring conformity to the intended design, while also allowing for varied material properties like hardness, elasticity, and color.
Implementation Method 1
The cartridge includes a heated nozzle adapted to transform said fusible filament into a liquid material suitable for printing a three-dimensional part layer by layer
Implementation Method 2
The cartridge includes at least one sensor, including a temperature sensor and a filament type change sensor
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a printing cartridge (46) for a system (30) for printing three-dimensional parts, containing at least one store (48) for printing material. Said cartridge comprises a module (50) for accessing code instructions (52) that can be executed by the printing system in order to print at least one three-dimensional part in a pre-determined form using the at least one printing material contained in the cartridge. The invention also relates to an associated system (30) for printing three-dimensional parts.