Dispenser Plunger Segmentation for Particle Jamming Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems, such as 3D printers, face challenges in efficiently refilling their reservoirs with print material particles due to jamming issues caused by the shape and size of the particles, which hampers the continuous creation of three-dimensional objects.
Innovation Solution
A print material particles dispenser is designed with a differently shaped plunger and output area that prevents jamming by directing particles towards the edge of the output channel, allowing for smooth dispensing and refilling of particles into the imaging device's reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional plunger design is used to dispense print material particles, then the dispensing mechanism is simple in structure, but particle jamming occurs due to the shape and size of particles
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger surface is segmented into multiple protrusions rather than a single continuous surface. These protrusions are spaced apart to match the particle size and shape, allowing particles to pass through the gaps between protrusions without jamming, while still providing sufficient pushing force to dispense particles continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger has non-uniform local properties with protrusions of specific shapes and sizes at specific locations. The protrusions are designed with dimensions and spacing that match the particle characteristics, creating localized interaction zones that facilitate particle flow while preventing jamming in critical areas
2Productivity
If particles are directed towards the center of the output channel, then the dispensing path is straightforward, but jamming occurs due to particle accumulation in the center
Solution Approach 1:
The output channel has an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that is wider at the edges and narrower in the center. This asymmetric geometry naturally directs particles toward the edges where there is more space, preventing accumulation in the center and ensuring smooth particle flow while maintaining high refilling speed
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the particle flow problem from a one-dimensional center-path approach to a two-dimensional edge-directed flow. By designing the output channel cross-section to favor edge flow, particles are distributed across a larger area at the edges, preventing the one-dimensional bottleneck and jamming that occurs with center-directed flow
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 dispenser effectively prevents particle jamming and ensures continuous operation of imaging devices by facilitating the smooth flow of print material particles, thereby maintaining the production of three-dimensional objects without interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
A print material particles dispenser can include an inner body to store print material particles, an outer body covering the inner body, and a structure located within the inner body. In some examples, a shape of the plunger can allow the print material particles to be dispensed through an output channel connected to the output area without being jammed by the shape and size of the print material particles.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a print material particles dispenser, including: a print material area with an output area that includes an output channel that is positioned away from a central axis of the print material area, and a structure adapted to decrease a volume of the print material area to output print material particles through the output channel of the print material area.