Cylindrical 3D Printing System for Rotating Parts

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D printers with an orthogonal structure based on the Cartesian coordinate system face limitations in accuracy and efficiency, particularly when printing complex geometrical curves and rotating parts, due to accumulated movement errors and inflexible printing sizes.

Innovation Solution

A variable-size fully-automatic 3D printing system utilizing a cylindrical coordinate system with three joints (two prismatic and one revolute) and a retractable work platform, allowing for polar angle and radial movement, enabling direct printing of circular arcs and adjustable printing sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional 3D printer uses a Cartesian coordinate system with linear motion for all printing, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the printing accuracy and surface roughness deteriorate when printing parts with complex geometrical curves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting accuracyVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by replacing the conventional linear Cartesian coordinate system with a cylindrical coordinate system that incorporates rotational motion. The nozzle moves along a circular arc trajectory defined by polar coordinates (r, θ, z) instead of linear paths, enabling direct printing of circular arcs and complex geometrical curves. This curved motion path matches the natural geometry of rotating parts, significantly improving printing accuracy and surface roughness for complex shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by introducing a revolute joint that enables rotational motion of the nozzle assembly around the Z-axis. This dynamic component allows the printing system to adapt its motion trajectory from purely linear to rotational, facilitating direct printing of circular arcs. The dynamic addition of rotational capability resolves the contradiction by enhancing precision for complex geometries while maintaining relative structural simplicity through modular joint design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional 3D printer uses a fixed-size printing platform, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different part sizes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different part sizesVSAvoidplatform structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed printing platform into a retractable platform with adjustable radius. The platform can dynamically extend or retract along the radial direction to accommodate different part sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through a retractable mechanism that modifies the platform's radial dimension, enabling the same device to handle both small and large parts without requiring multiple fixed-size platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single retractable platform that can serve multiple functions across different printing scenarios. The platform's ability to adjust its radial size allows it to universally accommodate various part dimensions, replacing the need for multiple fixed-size platforms. This multi-functional design enhances adaptability while avoiding the complexity of maintaining separate platforms for different part sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If a conventional 3D printer uses linear motion to approximate circular arcs, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the movement errors accumulate and printing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidprinting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by implementing direct circular arc motion through rotational movement around the Z-axis. Instead of approximating circular arcs with linear segments, the nozzle follows an exact circular path defined by the cylindrical coordinate system's angular component (θ). This eliminates approximation errors and accumulative deviations, significantly improving both printing accuracy and efficiency for rotating parts and complex geometrical curves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the conventional linear mechanical motion system with a rotational motion system based on cylindrical coordinates. By replacing linear translation along X and Y axes with rotational movement around the Z-axis combined with radial and vertical translation, the system achieves more efficient and accurate printing of complex geometries. This mechanical substitution reduces movement errors while maintaining structural feasibility through the use of standard rotational joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system enhances printing accuracy and efficiency for complex shapes, especially rotating parts, by simplifying nozzle movement and allowing for automatic adjustment of printing platform size, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional 3D printing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a lower side of the cross beam is provided with a ball screw a, one end of the ball screw a is connected to a power end of a first servo motor disposed at an outer end of the cross beam, and the other end of the ball screw a is connected to a ball screw seat a disposed within a sliding block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall screw mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a nozzle is slidably connected to a cylindrical guide track a via the sliding block; each side of the ball screw a is provided with the cylindrical guide track a

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCylindrical guide constraint: Guided Rotor Compressor

Implementation Method 3

this novel printing system adopts a retractable printing work platform that can automatically adjust the size of the printing platform according to different specifications of printed parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRetractable mechanism:

Implementation Method 4

the guide rail fixed to a protrusion performs a polar angle movement about Z-axis under the drive of a second motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 5

the protrusion driven by a third motor performs a longitudinal movement along the Z-axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motion:

Data Source

PatentUS11298877B2Variable-size fully-automatic 3D printing system based on cylindrical coordinate system
Publication Date: 2022.04.12 XIAN UNIV OF TECH
  • US11298877B2 patent drawing
  • US11298877B2 patent drawing
  • US11298877B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A variable-size fully-automatic 3D printing system based on a cylindrical coordinate system includes a base provided with a retractable work platform; the base is provided with a vertical support side plate on a side thereof; an upper end of the support side plate is connected to a top plate, and the top plate is located directly above the base; a lower side of the top plate is connected to a sleeve via a column seat; a lower end of the sleeve is provided with a protrusion; a lower end of the protrusion is connected with a cross beam; a lower side of the cross beam is provided with a ball screw a, one end of the ball screw a is connected to a power end of a first servo motor disposed at an outer end of the cross beam.