3D Printer Print-Head With Lateral Nozzle Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional printers face challenges in positioning their nozzles to add material to the lateral edges of objects due to geometric constraints, limiting their ability to repair, rebuild, or produce products on existing objects with complex shapes or orientations.
Innovation Solution
A print-head unit with four degrees of freedom movement, including horizontal rotation and vertical yaw, allows the nozzle to be positioned at a lateral portion of the print-head, enabling it to adjoin and deposit material on the sides of objects, overcoming geometric limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is positioned at the center of the print-head (conventional design), then the print-head structure is simple, but the nozzle cannot access lateral edges of objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the nozzle at a lateral portion of the print-head rather than at the center, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetric nozzle placement enables the nozzle to access lateral edges of objects directly, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the print-head has only three degrees of freedom movement, then the apparatus is simpler, but the nozzle cannot position itself on lateral portions of objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a rotational degree of freedom to the print-head, transforming it from a static three-degree-of-freedom system to a dynamic four-degree-of-freedom system. This additional rotational capability enables the nozzle to orient itself toward lateral edges of objects, resolving the contradiction between positioning capability and apparatus complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If costly apparatus upgrades are implemented to achieve six degrees of freedom, then complete accessibility is achieved, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a partial solution by adding only one rotational degree of freedom to achieve four degrees of freedom total, rather than implementing the full six degrees of freedom. This partial action provides sufficient accessibility to lateral edges for most applications while avoiding the excessive cost and complexity of a complete six-degree-of-freedom system.
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 printing of materials on existing objects' lateral edges, expanding the capabilities of three-dimensional printers to repair, rebuild, or produce products on complex shapes without requiring costly apparatus upgrades, by allowing precise positioning and material deposition on previously inaccessible areas.
Implementation Method 1
said heating component is configured to heat the printing material to a temperature at which the printing material is flowable
Implementation Method 2
said nozzle is configured to extrude the printing material from said flow channel onto a workplace
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein produce products by adding material on an existing object. Printing onto existing objects may be used to repair/rebuild/fix the existing objects. Other embodiments print on a lateral edge of an object. A print-head unit may be implemented that can horizontally rotate to produce the product by adding layers of materials on the existing object.