3D Printer Coater Arrangement with Dynamic Closing Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coating device arrangements for 3D printers, particularly those with container coating devices, face challenges in efficiently applying particulate material, managing throughput, and maintaining material integrity during non-coating phases, leading to material loss and degradation.

Innovation Solution

A coating device arrangement with a movable container having a longitudinally extending slot and a closing device that can selectively close the output opening, combined with a vibration mechanism to influence material flow and a stroking member for leveling, allows for efficient material application and reduced loss by controlling the output during both coating and non-coating phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the coating device opening remains open during non-coating phases, then material can be quickly applied during coating phases, but material loss and degradation occur during non-coating phases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating speedVSAvoidmaterial loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The closing device is activated before the coating device enters non-coating phases to pre-close the opening, preventing material loss and degradation before they can occur. This preliminary action ensures material protection without impacting coating speed during active coating phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The opening state of the coating device is dynamically controlled - open during coating phases for high productivity, and closed during non-coating phases for material protection. The closing device enables this dynamic state change, resolving the contradiction between speed and material loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the opening is kept open for easy access and cleaning, then maintenance is simplified, but material degradation from atmospheric exposure occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning accessVSAvoidatmospheric degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The closing device is activated before cleaning operations to seal the opening, preventing atmospheric degradation during the cleaning process. This allows cleaning access while protecting material from harmful atmospheric factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a larger opening is used for faster material output, then coating throughput increases, but material loss during non-coating phases increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidmaterial loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The closing device enables dynamic control of the opening state, allowing a larger opening dimension for high throughput during coating phases, while completely closing the opening during non-coating phases to eliminate material loss. This resolves the contradiction by making the opening size effectively variable through state control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If the coating device operates continuously without closing, then productivity is maximized, but material degradation and loss accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between open and closed states based on operational phase - open during coating for maximum productivity, closed during non-coating for material protection. This dynamic operation maintains both high productivity and material integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The closing device operates periodically - closing during non-coating phases and opening during coating phases. This periodic action pattern ensures material protection without compromising overall productivity, as closing only occurs during necessary non-coating intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution enhances material application efficiency, reduces loss and degradation, and improves manageability by enabling increased throughput and easier cleaning, while protecting the material from the atmosphere during non-use periods.

Implementation Method 1

A coating device arrangement having a vibration device is provided, by means of which the particulate material can be vibrated to support, for example, the flow or trickle behavior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a closing device configured to selectively close the opening for outputting the particulate construction material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11524454B2Coater arrangement for a 3D printer

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 EXONE

AI summary

A coating device arrangement 1 for a 3D printer is described, comprising a coating device 3 having a container 17 defining an inner cavity for receiving particulate construction material, which leads to an opening for outputting the particulate construction material onto a construction field, as well as a closing device 31 configured to selectively close the opening for outputting the particulate construction material.