Build Material Conveyor With Helical Guide Walls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing systems face inefficiencies in the conveyance of build materials from storage to the printing module, particularly in terms of speed and consistency of material flow, which affects the overall object generation time.
Innovation Solution
A build material conveyor system utilizing a helicoidal element with selectively positioned wall elements, such as elastic strips or paddles, to enhance material transport by stacking and guiding the material along a spiral path, ensuring consistent and increased flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional material conveyance systems are used in 3D printing, then the system structure is simple, but the material flow speed and consistency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple functional segments: a rotating conveyor element with helical flights for material pickup and transport, adjustable guide walls for flow control, and segmented material channels. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for speed while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from simple linear or vertical material transfer to a three-dimensional spiral conveyance path using helical flights on a rotating element. This dimensional change enables continuous material flow at higher speeds while maintaining compact system footprint and improving flow consistency through the spiral geometry
2Reliability
If conventional material conveyance systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the repeatability of material delivery is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor material flow rate and density, providing feedback to a control system that adjusts conveyor rotation speed and guide wall positioning in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures repeatable material delivery by compensating for variations in material properties or environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system features dynamically adjustable components including variable rotation speeds, movable guide walls, and adaptable material channel configurations. These dynamic elements allow the system to maintain consistent material flow characteristics across different operating conditions, improving repeatability without requiring overly complex fixed structures
3Loss of time
If faster material conveyance is implemented, then the object generation time is reduced, but material loss may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures material that would otherwise be lost during high-speed conveyance by using the centrifugal force and airflow generated at speed to direct stray particles into collection channels rather than allowing them to escape. The same high-speed airflow that risks material loss is redirected to improve material recovery and reduce waste
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 conveyor system significantly improves the speed and repeatability of material delivery to the 3D printing module, enhancing the efficiency of the 3D printing process by maintaining a consistent flow and reducing material loss.
Implementation Method 1
A build material conveyor system utilizing a helicoidal element with selectively positioned wall elements, such as elastic strips or paddles, to enhance material transport by stacking and guiding the material along a spiral path
Data Source
AI summary
A build material conveyor is disclosed. Such conveyor comprising an auger to transport build material in a substantially vertical direction wherein the conveyor further comprises a set of wall elements selectively positioned to, in a first position occupy part of the volume of the auger.