Conveying Device for Additive Manufacturing with Periodic Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing machines face limitations in production rate and component quality due to the use of small-diameter filaments, which restrict deposition rates and lead to issues like filament degradation and nozzle clogging, especially with fiber-reinforced materials, and require complex cutting methods for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A conveying device with a longitudinal mechanism using pivotable conveying plates and a rotating mechanism to engage and rotate semi-finished products like profile bars, allowing for efficient movement and rotation, thereby improving the handling and processing of materials in additive manufacturing machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small-diameter filaments are used for conveying, then the filament can be fed through the machine, but the deposition rate is restricted and filament degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of filament diameter from small to large (thicker filaments up to 20mm). This parameter change enables higher deposition rates while the conveying device design ensures reliable feeding without degradation through periodic engagement and release mechanisms that prevent excessive friction and heat buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying device employs dynamic conveying plates with periodic movement that engage and release the filament in a controlled manner. This dynamic approach replaces static conveying methods, allowing the system to adapt to thicker filaments while maintaining reliable feeding and preventing degradation through controlled engagement cycles.
2Productivity
If small-diameter filaments are used, then the filament can be processed, but nozzle clogging occurs especially with fiber-reinforced materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the filament diameter parameter and enables processing of fiber-reinforced materials in thicker filaments. The conveying device supports this by providing reliable feeding that prevents material degradation before reaching the nozzle, thereby eliminating clogging issues associated with small-diameter fiber-reinforced filaments.
3Productivity
If conventional gear wheel drive is used for conveying profile bars, then the structure is simple, but the production rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static gear wheel drive to a dynamic conveying plate mechanism with periodic movement. This dynamic system enables higher production rates through more efficient material handling while the modular plate design keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying plates perform periodic engagement and release actions, creating a rhythmical conveying motion that increases production rate. This periodic action is more efficient than continuous gear driving while maintaining reasonable mechanical complexity through the use of simple pivotable plate components.
4Productivity
If complex cutting methods are used for continuous operation, then uninterrupted printing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying device performs preliminary engagement and positioning actions that ensure proper filament feeding before material reaches the processing zone. This preliminary control prevents issues that would require complex cutting interventions, enabling continuous operation with simpler mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
For increasing the speed in 3D printing, for avoiding the conveying elements slipping from the conveyed semi-finished product, and for improving the transmission of force from the conveying elements to the semi-finished products to be conveyed, the invention proposes a conveying device (24) for an additive manufacturing machine (10). The conveying device (24) for conveying a semi-finished product (16) comprises a longitudinal conveying mechanism (32) which by means of a periodic movement of at least one conveying element (34, 46, 48) conveys the semi-finished product (16) along a conveying direction (F) which is parallel to the semi-finished product longitudinal axis. The conveying element (34) when moving in the conveying direction (F) engages the semi-finished product, and when moving counter to the conveying direction (F) is released from said semi-finished product. This results in a movement of the semi-finished product (16) in the conveying direction (F).