Handheld 3D Drawing Pen With Refillable Cooling Extrusion
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld extrusion devices for 3D object construction are large, expensive, require computerized design files, and lack mechanisms for continuous material replenishment and controlled extrusion rates.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held 3D drawing device with a housing, nozzle assembly, motor, and gear train that allows for manual creation of 3D structures using a refillable feed stock, featuring a cooling system to solidify extruded material and a mechanical gear train for precise extrusion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional handheld extrusion device is used, then material can be extruded to form 3D objects, but the device is large, expensive, and requires computerized design files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential extrusion function from complex 3D printing systems, creating a simplified handheld device that extrudes material without requiring computerized design files or complex processing, thus achieving ease of operation while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses disposable or easily replaceable components such as refillable material cartridges and simple extrusion mechanisms, reducing the overall cost and complexity of the system while maintaining functionality
2Productivity
If a conventional handheld extrusion device is used, then material can be extruded, but there is no provision to replenish raw material without shutting off the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous material supply system with a refillable cartridge mechanism that allows material replenishment without shutting off the device, enabling continuous extrusion operation and improving both productivity and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a self-service material replenishment system where users can easily refill material cartridges without interrupting the extrusion process, allowing the system to serve itself by maintaining continuous operation
3Manufacturing precision
If a conventional handheld extrusion device is used, then material can be extruded, but there is no mechanism to mechanically feed material to the nozzle at a constant rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical feeding mechanisms with a simplified system that uses controlled material flow through gravity and pressure differential, achieving constant extrusion rate with reduced mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device controls extrusion rate by changing physical parameters such as material flow characteristics and pressure differential rather than complex mechanical feed mechanisms, achieving precise extrusion control with simpler device architecture
4Reliability
If a conventional handheld extrusion device is used, then material can be extruded, but there is no provision to cool the extruded material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary cooling medium that flows through cooling channels in the nozzle assembly to cool and solidify extruded material, achieving reliable material solidification with minimal added complexity
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 the creation of 3D objects without computer design files, with continuous material replenishment and precise extrusion rates, allowing for free-form 3D drawing and enhanced control over the extrusion process.
Implementation Method 1
The contents of the chamber are heated to melt the plastic and create pressure within the chamber
Implementation Method 2
There is no provision to replenish the raw material without shutting off the device nor any mechanism to mechanically feed material to the nozzle at a constant rate. In addition, Froedge's system does not provide a means of cooling the extruded material.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a three-dimensional (3D) drawing pen can permit a user to draw a 3D object in free space that retains its shape against gravity. The 3D drawing pen can include a body, a sensor supported by the body, a motor, and a nozzle assembly disposed at a distal end of the body. The motor can drive material toward the nozzle assembly upon actuation by the sensor. The nozzle assembly can include an extruder and an exit nozzle. The extruder can have a heating element for melting material and permitting the material to be extruded out of the exit nozzle in a solid form upon actuation of the motor by the sensor. The user can manipulate the 3D drawing pen to draw a 3D object that retains its shape against gravity.