Ejector Head Cleaning Cart for 3D Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In three-dimensional printing systems, contamination on precision rails and motor housing due to errant material drips and airborne particles disrupts the accuracy and reliability of object formation, as it affects the motion and positioning of the cart beneath the ejector heads.
Innovation Solution
An ejector head cleaning cart with a platform and bearings that moves on rails, equipped with a cleaning mechanism and actuator, which positions itself to clean the ejector heads, collecting debris and contaminants to maintain precision and cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the cart moves on precision rails under ejector heads, then positioning accuracy is improved, but contamination from material drips and airborne particles disrupts motion accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning function from the main printing system by implementing a separate, dedicated cleaning cart that operates independently. This cleaning cart is specifically designed to remove contaminants from precision rails and motor housing without interfering with the primary printing operations, thereby isolating the contamination removal function while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning cart serves as an intermediary element between the contaminant source (ejector heads) and the precision components (rails and motor housing). It actively intervenes in the contamination pathway by collecting and removing debris before it can accumulate on critical surfaces, thus protecting the precision components while allowing the printing system to continue operating.
2Reliability
If cleaning mechanisms are added to remove contaminants, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning cart is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines several operations: it transports itself along the rails, positions cleaning mechanisms against the ejector heads, activates cleaning actions, and collects debris in reservoirs. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single integrated system improves reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning cart is equipped with self-propulsion capabilities through linear motors that enable it to move autonomously along the rails without requiring external manipulation. The system activates cleaning mechanisms automatically when positioned correctly, and debris is collected passively through gravity-fed reservoirs, minimizing the need for complex external control systems and reducing operational complexity.
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 cleaning cart effectively removes contaminants and debris from the ejector heads, ensuring precise motion and improved quality of printed objects by maintaining the integrity of the printing system's components.
Implementation Method 1
Gravity and magnetic attraction between the stationary motor segment and the magnet 46 hold the bearings 34 in contact with the rails 38
Implementation Method 2
Linear electrical motors are provided within housing 42 and are operatively connected to the wheels 18 of cart 14 to move the cart along the track rails 22
Implementation Method 3
a cleaning mechanism movably mounted to the platform, and an actuator mounted to the platform. The actuator is configured to move the cleaning mechanism relative to the platform to enable the cleaning mechanism to clean an ejector head
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning cart for a three-dimensional object printing system wipes an ejector head to remove debris from the ejector head. The cleaning cart includes a platform having a plurality of bearings configured to move the platform on rails of the printing system. A cleaning mechanism is movably mounted to the platform, and an actuator is mounted to the platform. The actuator is configured to move the cleaning mechanism relative to the platform to enable the cleaning mechanism to clean an ejector head that is positioned opposite the rails of the printing system.