Foam Cleaning Device for 3D Printed Support Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing support materials in three-dimensional modeling, especially from intricate structures, are inefficient and can damage the modeled object, with challenges in removing support material from fine structures like holes or grooves.
Innovation Solution
A supply device and method that uses a gas-liquid supply mechanism to deliver a liquid substance containing foam to the opening of a sample, allowing for alternating liquid contact and retraction states to effectively remove support materials, and a cleaning agent with specific properties to enhance the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If support material is removed by manual peeling or waterjet blowing, then support material can be removed from the model, but the model may be damaged and the operation becomes a heavy burden
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the cleaning agent from liquid to foam by controlling temperature and pressure parameters. The foam state allows the cleaning agent to penetrate fine structures effectively, while the alternating liquid contact and retraction states optimize the cleaning process to remove support material without damaging the model
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic alternation between liquid contact state and liquid contact retraction state. This periodic action allows the foam to penetrate into fine structures during contact state and enables effective cleaning through repeated wetting and drying cycles, removing support material safely without model damage
2Quantity of substance
If liquid is supplied continuously to the sample, then cleaning coverage is maintained, but liquid cannot effectively reach fine structures like holes or grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the cleaning agent from liquid to foam by controlling temperature and pressure. The foam state with its gas-liquid structure can penetrate into fine structures like holes and grooves much more effectively than liquid alone, while maintaining adequate cleaning coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses foam (a gas-liquid mixture) instead of pure liquid for cleaning. The foam's unique structure allows it to penetrate fine structures effectively, and the alternating contact and retraction states create dynamic fluid movement that enhances penetration into holes and grooves
3Reliability
If cleaning operation time is extended to ensure thorough cleaning, then support material removal is more complete, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the cleaning agent state to foam and employs alternating liquid contact and retraction states, which dramatically improves penetration into fine structures. This allows thorough cleaning to be achieved in shorter time, maintaining cleaning completeness while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic alternation between contact and retraction states creates dynamic cleaning action that is more effective than continuous contact. This periodic action achieves complete support material removal faster, balancing cleaning reliability with operational productivity
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 method enables efficient and short operation time for cleaning support materials from complex structures without damaging the model, and allows for effective supply of liquids to fine structures, improving the overall cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-liquid supply mechanism supplying a liquid substance containing foam to the opening
Implementation Method 2
a material that is soluble in water or an organic solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A sponge type cleaning device includes a sponge type cleaning tank, a sponge capable of retaining a cleaning agent (a liquid substance), a sample retaining structure retaining a model material (a sample), a movement mechanism capable of moving the sample retaining structure freely forward and backward with respect to the sponge, a cleaning agent supply mechanism supplying the cleaning agent to the sponge type cleaning tank, a rinsing liquid supply mechanism supplying a rinsing liquid to the sponge type cleaning tank, a waste liquid containing tank containing water discharged from the sponge type cleaning tank, a liquid level sensor provided in the sponge type cleaning tank, and a control mechanism controlling each of the mechanisms.