3D Printer Filament Detection Using Magnet and Hall Sensor

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detection methods for the position of a printing filament in 3D printing, such as travel switches and photoelectric sensors, are prone to signal errors due to dust accumulation, reducing reliability.

Innovation Solution

A detection device with a housing containing magnets and Hall sensors, where the filament pushes the magnets to trigger the Hall sensors without direct contact, preventing dust accumulation and ensuring accurate detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If travel switches or photoelectric sensors are used to detect filament position, then detection function is provided, but dust accumulation causes signal errors and reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddust accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnets as intermediary elements that the filament pushes to trigger Hall sensors. The filament does not directly contact the Hall sensors, but instead interacts with the magnets which then interact with the sensors. This intermediary mechanism prevents dust from the filament from accumulating on the Hall sensors, thereby maintaining detection reliability without being affected by dust accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical detection methods (travel switches) or optical methods (photoelectric sensors) with a magnetic field-based detection system using Hall sensors. This substitution eliminates the direct contact or optical path vulnerability to dust, as the magnetic field can detect position without physical contact or light being blocked by dust particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If direct contact detection method is used, then simple structure is achieved, but dust accumulates on sensors causing signal errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection device structureVSAvoidsignal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnets as intermediary elements that the filament pushes to trigger Hall sensors. The filament does not directly contact the Hall sensors, but instead interacts with the magnets which then interact with the sensors. This intermediary mechanism prevents dust from the filament from accumulating on the Hall sensors, thereby maintaining detection reliability without being affected by dust accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If Hall sensors are protected from dust, then detection accuracy is maintained, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilament position detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnets as intermediary elements that the filament pushes to trigger Hall sensors. The filament does not directly contact the Hall sensors, but instead interacts with the magnets which then interact with the sensors. This intermediary mechanism prevents dust from the filament from accumulating on the Hall sensors, thereby maintaining detection reliability without being affected by dust accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical detection methods (travel switches) or optical methods (photoelectric sensors) with a magnetic field-based detection system using Hall sensors. This substitution eliminates the direct contact or optical path vulnerability to dust, as the magnetic field can detect position without physical contact or light being blocked by dust particles.

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

Improves the accuracy and reliability of detecting the filament position by preventing dust from adhering to the Hall sensors, thus maintaining consistent detection performance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one Hall sensor, each Hall sensor being arranged to cooperate with a corresponding magnet of the at least one magnet, such that the Hall sensor is triggered when the corresponding magnet moves to the predetermined position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11835369B23D printer detection device having magnet and hall sensor

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 SHENZHEN TUOZHU TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A detection device for a 3D printer and a 3D printer are provided. The detection device includes: a housing defining at least one feed port, a discharge port, a feed channel, and a discharge channel, the feed channel and the discharge channel form an internal cavity, and at least one hole in communication with the internal cavity is provided; at least one magnet respectively arranged in a hole, an end of the magnet inserted into the internal cavity is shaped with an end surface, such that when the printing filament is fed to a position of the magnet, the tip of the printing filament presses the end surface, thereby pushing the magnet to move to a predetermined position; and at least one Hall sensor, arranged to cooperate with a corresponding magnet, such that the Hall sensor is triggered when the corresponding magnet moves to the predetermined position.