Gravity-Fed Powder Distribution Plates for Uniform 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing methods using powder require additional devices like feed screws and motors for powder distribution, increasing weight, cost, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A powder distribution device utilizing an outer frame with distribution plates having inclined surfaces and through-holes, allowing powder to self-load and distribute without external power, with adjustable positions, angles, and hole sizes for controlled distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If additional devices such as a feed screw or motor are used for powder distribution, then powder can be distributed, but the volume and weight of the recoater increase and additional costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the powder distribution function from the recoater by using a separate distribution plate with inclined surfaces and through-holes. This allows powder to be distributed through gravity and self-loading without requiring feed screws or motors integrated into the recoater, thereby reducing the recoater's weight and complexity while maintaining powder distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution plate is designed to utilize the self-loading property of powder, where powder naturally flows and distributes itself through the inclined surfaces and through-holes without external mechanical assistance. This eliminates the need for additional power-consuming devices and reduces the overall system weight
2Ease of manufacture
If additional devices such as a feed screw or motor are used for powder distribution, then powder can be distributed, but the volume and weight of the recoater increase and additional costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the powder distribution function from the recoater mechanism by implementing an independent distribution plate system. This extraction eliminates the need for complex integrated mechanisms like feed screws and motors within the recoater, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving the essential powder distribution function
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution plate leverages the natural flow characteristics of powder to achieve self-distribution without external mechanical actuation. This self-service approach eliminates complex control systems and mechanical components, significantly simplifying the overall device structure
3Ease of manufacture
If additional devices such as a feed screw or motor are used for powder distribution, then powder can be distributed, but additional costs are required for transporting and controlling the recoater
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution plate is designed to exploit the self-loading flow特性 of powder, enabling automatic powder distribution through gravity-driven flow through the inclined surfaces and through-holes. This eliminates the need for motors or feed screws that would consume energy, thereby reducing the stationary object's energy consumption to zero for the distribution function
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting the powder distribution function from the recoater and implementing it through a passive distribution plate, the patent eliminates the need for energy-consuming transport and control mechanisms in the recoater, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining distribution capability
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
Enables uniform powder distribution with reduced weight and cost, and ease of replacement, while maintaining control over distribution patterns and positions.
Implementation Method 1
the distribution plate has an inclined surface for guiding powder discharged through a powder discharge surface to fall to a lower side
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a powder distribution device that can uniformly distribute powder using powder flow due to the weight of the powder itself, and a 3D printing device including the same. The powder distribution device of the present invention comprises a powder distribution unit that includes: an outer frame having an empty powder material inlet port; and at least one distribution plate disposed inside the outer frame to disperse introduced powder, wherein the powder can be broken down using the powder flow without additional power from a feed screw, a motor, or the like.