Foldable 3D Printer Bridge Assembly for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical 3D printers are bulky, making them difficult to carry, store, and move due to their large size.
Innovation Solution
A foldable 3D printer design featuring a bridge assembly that can rotate the nozzle in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions to a position parallel to the stage, reducing the printer's volume when not in use, along with a detachable extruder unit and magnetic stage components for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the 3D printer uses a fixed bridge assembly structure, then the printing precision and stability are improved, but the portability and storage convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge assembly is designed with rotational capability around the Y-axis, allowing it to dynamically change between a perpendicular position during printing (maintaining stability) and a parallel folded position for storage (improving portability). This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between fixed structural reliability and operational convenience.
2Ease of operation
If the 3D printer uses a foldable bridge assembly, then the portability and storage convenience are improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge assembly is segmented into multiple components including swing bars, support bars, and a nozzle transfer bar, each with specific functions. This segmentation allows the complex folding mechanism to be broken down into manageable parts that can rotate and fold independently, reducing the overall structural complexity while maintaining portability benefits.
3Volume of stationary object
If the 3D printer uses a foldable bridge assembly with swing bars, then the volume reduction when not in use is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
When the bridge assembly is folded, the swing bars and support bars nest together in a compact configuration, with the nozzle transfer bar aligning with the bridge structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume when not in use while using standardized connection components that simplify manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable 3D printer includes: a main body having an upper surface parallel to the ground; a stage coupled to the upper surface of the main body and adapted to stack a molding material thereon; a nozzle unit spraying the molding material onto the stage; and a bridge assembly adapted to mount the nozzle unit thereon, the bridge assembly being rotatably coupled to the main body to be positioned parallel to the main body when not in use and to be positioned perpendicular to the main body when in use.