Flexible Bag Extrusion Feed for Bubble-Free 3D Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D printing technologies face issues with bubble formation in the conveyance of materials, leading to insufficient material supply at the print head and compromised printing quality.

Innovation Solution

A packaging and supply device using flexible bags and opposing extrusion rollers to directly convey 3D printing materials to the print head via a hose, minimizing air contact and preventing bubble formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If materials are stored in rigid containers and conveyed through feeding cylinders, then storage stability is improved, but bubble formation occurs during material transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial storage stabilityVSAvoidbubble formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid feeding cylinders with flexible bags made of elastic materials. The flexible bags can be directly extruded by rollers without requiring transfer through rigid feeding cylinders, thereby eliminating the bubble formation that occurs during material transfer while maintaining storage stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the feeding cylinder component from the traditional material conveyance system. By directly extruding materials from flexible bags using rollers, the system removes the intermediate transfer step that causes bubble formation, simplifying the overall material supply mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If traditional feeding cylinders are used for material conveyance, then structural simplicity is maintained, but printing quality deteriorates due to bubble interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding mechanism simplicityVSAvoidprinting quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible bags made of elastic materials allow direct extrusion of materials without bubble formation, ensuring consistent material flow to the print head and maintaining high printing quality while keeping the device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical feeding cylinder system with a simpler roller extrusion mechanism that directly processes materials from flexible bags, reducing structural complexity while improving printing quality through bubble-free material delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If materials are transferred through multiple components (cylinder to tank to hose), then storage flexibility is improved, but material flow stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidmaterial flow stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the storage and conveyance functions into a single integrated system where flexible bags are directly extruded by rollers to the print head. This eliminates intermediate transfer steps and multiple components, thereby maintaining material flow stability while preserving storage flexibility through the use of replaceable flexible bags.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Stable material flow is maintained, enhancing printing quality and efficiency while reducing costs and environmental impact through recyclable packaging.

Implementation Method 1

The extrusion interval includes a flexible bag inlet and a flexible bag outlet. The flexible bag inlet faces the 3D print head of the 3D printer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Implementation Method 2

a first extrusion roller and a second extrusion roller, wherein rotation directions of the first extrusion roller and the second extrusion roller are opposite, and an extrusion interval for squeezing the flexible bags is formed between the first extrusion roller and the second extrusion roller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20260027777A1Packaging and supply device based on 3D printing materials

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 SHENZHEN RUNWO AUTOMATION ENG CO LTD

AI summary

A packaging and supply device based on 3D printing materials is provided. The device includes extrusion mechanisms and flexible bags. The extrusion mechanism includes a first extrusion roller and a second extrusion roller, a rotation direction of the first extrusion roller and a rotation direction of the second extrusion roller are opposite. An extrusion interval is formed between the first extrusion roller and the second extrusion roller. The extrusion interval includes a flexible bag inlet and a flexible bag outlet. The flexible bag inlet faces a 3D print head of a 3D printer, and a preset distance is maintained between the flexible bag inlet and the 3D print head. The flexible bag includes an initial extrusion end and a terminal extrusion end. A printing material discharge port is arranged at the terminal extrusion end. The printing material discharge port is connected to the 3D print head through a hose.