Helical Material-Guiding Structure for Printing Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face inefficiencies in conveying and managing printing materials, particularly in three-dimensional printing systems where unfused build material accumulates, and in two-dimensional systems where toner needs to be cleaned, leading to space inefficiencies and material degradation.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable container with dual rotation directions for efficient material conveyance and refilling, allowing for controlled dispensing and refilling of printing materials, and featuring a channel structure and valve system for precise material handling to maintain material quality and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If printing material is conveyed from container to printing system, then printing operation can be performed, but material consolidation and segregation occur during delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The container is equipped with a material-guiding structure that proactively directs printing material along a controlled path during conveyance. This preliminary action prevents consolidation and segregation from occurring in the first place, maintaining material composition stability throughout the delivery process while enabling continuous printing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The material-guiding structure acts as an intermediary between the container interior and the printing system. It mediates the material flow by providing a guided pathway that prevents direct uncontrolled delivery, thereby avoiding consolidation and segregation while still enabling efficient material conveyance for printing operations
2Volume of moving object
If excess build material is removed from three-dimensional printing system, then space can be optimized, but material handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a storage vessel and an active material management system. The material-guiding structure and rotation mechanism enable the container to automatically handle excess material removal, combining storage and material handling functions into a single device, thereby optimizing space without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The container equipped with material-guiding structure and rotation capability performs self-service by automatically managing excess material removal. The system uses the container's own rotation and integrated guiding structures to handle material, reducing the need for additional external handling equipment and simplifying the overall material management process
3Measurement precision
If container is designed for controlled material dispensing, then material supply precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container interior is segmented by the material-guiding structure into functional zones that direct material flow along specific pathways. This segmentation enables controlled dispensing by dividing the material conveyance process into manageable sections, achieving precision without requiring a completely complex overhaul of the container design
Solution Approach 2:
The material-guiding structure utilizes curved surfaces and helical geometries to smoothly direct material flow. These curved pathways naturally guide material along controlled trajectories using gravity and material properties, achieving precise dispensing control through geometric design rather than complex mechanical controls
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 solution enables efficient space utilization, controlled material supply, and maintenance of printing material quality by allowing for easy removal and reuse of excess material, reducing consolidation and segregation during delivery, and ensuring the material is refreshed and aerated to maintain original properties.
Implementation Method 1
The material-guiding structure has a helical lower surface that extends from the channel structure into the container interior in an axial direction
Implementation Method 2
rotating the container causes printing material to be conveyed by the material-guiding structure
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present disclosure relate to a base for a printing material container. The base has a channel structure defining an opening of the base, an axis of the channel structure defining an axial direction. The base also has a material-guiding structure, formed around the opening, having a helical lower surface that extends from the channel structure in the axial direction. An upper surface of the material-guiding structure is formed by a lower surface of the base and the helical lower surface meets the lower surface of the base at a curved side wall that extends radially from the channel structure to an annular portion of the base.