Filament Reel Storage Bin with Vertical Stacking and Downward Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing transfer apparatuses are not suitable for automatic loading and unloading of filament reels, particularly when the reels need to be picked up vertically, leading to inefficient storage and handling of filament reels.
Innovation Solution
A delivery and storage device with a chassis, multiple storage bins arranged parallel to the chassis, and a traveling assembly, where each storage bin has a stacking cavity for vertical filament reel storage and a pick-and-place opening for easy access by an external loading and unloading mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If filament reels are stored horizontally on a transfer apparatus, then the apparatus can hold multiple reels, but the reels cannot be picked up vertically by an automatic loading mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal storage arrangement by implementing vertical stacking of filament reels within the storage bin. The stacking cavity is designed with its opening facing downward, allowing reels to be stacked vertically one above another. This inversion enables automatic loading mechanisms to pickup reels from the top vertically, while the downward-facing opening prevents reels from falling out during transport.
2Quantity of substance
If filament reels are stacked vertically in a storage bin, then space utilization increases, but the reels may move during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage space into multiple independent stacking cavities arranged vertically. Each stacking cavity is a separate compartment that can hold one or more filament reels. This segmentation isolates each reel within its own cavity, preventing them from moving relative to each other or shifting during transport, while still allowing vertical stacking to maximize storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional characteristics to different parts of the storage bin. The stacking cavity has a downward-facing opening specifically designed to prevent reel removal during transport, while the top opening of the bin provides access for loading and unloading operations. This local differentiation of opening directions addresses both stability during transport and ease of operation for automated handling.
3Extent of automation
If a traditional transfer apparatus is used, then manual placement is simple, but automatic loading and unloading cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The storage bin is designed with multi-functionality to serve both manual and automatic handling operations. The downward-facing opening in the stacking cavity serves dual purposes: it prevents reels from falling out during automated transport while also allowing manual access when needed. The vertical stacking arrangement accommodates both automated vertical pickup mechanisms and manual handling, making the device universally applicable to different operating modes without requiring separate structures for each.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery and storage device and a filament coiling device are provided. The delivery and storage device includes a device body, a plurality of storage bins, and a traveling assembly. The device body includes a chassis. The plurality of storage bins are disposed on the chassis and arranged in a direction parallel to the chassis. Each storage bin includes a stacking cavity and a pick-and-place opening formed in a top of the stacking cavity. The stacking cavity is configured to accommodate filament reels stacked in a direction perpendicular to the chassis and restrict the filament reels from moving in the direction parallel to the chassis. The delivery and storage device can effectively increase a number of filament reels stored, and is adaptable to an external loading and unloading mechanism which picks up a filament reel vertically.