Extruder Screw Speed Control via Discharge Element Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing devices for extrusion-based production of three-dimensional components face challenges in accurately and dynamically controlling the operation, particularly due to inertia and accuracy issues related to pressure deviations in the extrusion unit.

Innovation Solution

A procedure that sets the speed of the extruder snail based on the speed of the output unit, using a predefined coupling to directly link the speed of the extruder snail with the output unit, enabling dynamic and precise control of the manufacturing device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pressure-based control is used in the extrusion unit, then the control accuracy can be improved, but the response speed and dynamic control capability deteriorate due to inertia and difficulty in locating the pressure source

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-based control system with an electronic control system that directly measures and responds to pressure deviations. Pressure sensors are integrated into the extrusion unit to detect pressure changes, and this information is electronically transmitted to the control device, which then adjusts the extruder screw speed accordingly. This substitution of mechanical feedback with electronic sensing and control enables both high measurement precision and fast response speed, resolving the contradiction between accurate pressure-based control and dynamic response capability.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If the control system responds to pressure deviations, then the manufacturing precision can be improved, but the control inertia increases making it difficult to quickly locate and correct the source of deviation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextrusion precisionVSAvoidcontrol response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where pressure sensors continuously monitor pressure deviations in the extrusion unit and immediately transmit this information to the control device. The control device processes this feedback and automatically adjusts the extruder screw speed to correct the deviation. This real-time feedback mechanism enables both high manufacturing precision through continuous monitoring and fast response time by eliminating manual intervention and directly linking pressure detection to control adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach allows for less sluggish and more precise control of the manufacturing device, as speed changes in the output unit can be directly adapted to pressure changes in the extruder snail, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the extrusion process.

Implementation Method 1

an extrusion unit for melting an extrusion material with an extruder screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

melting an extrusion material with an extruder screw that can be driven rotatably

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

drive units (23, 34) assigned to the extruder screw (22) and to the at least one dispensing element (33), in particular in the form of motors, in particular of electric motors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4552829A1Method for controlling and/or regulating the operation of a production device for extrusion-based production of a three-dimensional component
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 HANS WEBER MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH
  • EP4552829A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4552829A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4552829A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for controlling and/or regulating the operation of a manufacturing device for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional component by means of a hardware- and/or software-implemented control and/or regulating device, wherein the manufacturing device comprises an extrusion unit for melting an extrusion material with an extruder screw rotatably driven about a rotary axis and a discharge unit arranged downstream of the extrusion unit for discharging molten extrusion material onto a substrate with at least one discharge element rotatably driven about a rotary axis, wherein the control and/or regulating device sets the rotational speed of the extruder screw based on the rotational speed of the at least one discharge element.