Material Dispensing Device Remaining Amount Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional shaping and injection molding devices face challenges in accurately measuring the remaining amount of materials due to the mortar-shaped surface of the material storage unit, which affects the detection from the side surface.
Innovation Solution
A material dispensing device with a remaining amount detection unit positioned above the material storage unit, utilizing a distance measurement sensor such as an optical, ultrasonic, or radio wave sensor to measure the material level from above, ensuring accurate measurement and correct attachment confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the remaining amount is detected from the outer side surface of the material storage unit, then the detection structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to the mortar-shaped surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection direction from the outer side surface (horizontal dimension) to the upper surface (vertical dimension). The remaining amount detection unit measures from above the material storage unit, where the material surface is relatively flat and accessible, avoiding the mortar-shaped depression at the outlet that plagues side-surface detection.
2Ease of operation
If the material storage unit has an outlet portion at the lower portion for dispensing, then the dispensing function is improved, but the material surface becomes mortar-shaped affecting detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict between dispensing functionality and detection accuracy by measuring from a different dimension - from above rather than from the side. This allows the outlet to remain at the lower portion for effective dispensing while the detection unit operates from the upper surface where the material forms a more suitable measurement surface.
3Measurement precision
If the detection unit is positioned above the material storage unit, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a through-hole in the upper surface of the material storage unit as an intermediary structure. This hole allows the remaining amount detection unit to access and measure the material from above while maintaining a compact integrated design, thus improving measurement accuracy without significantly increasing overall device 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 accurate and easy measurement of the remaining material amount, prevents material dispensing issues, and ensures correct attachment of the material storage unit, enhancing the operational efficiency of three-dimensional shaping and injection molding processes.
Implementation Method 1
a remaining amount detection unit configured to detect a remaining amount of the material stored in the material storage unit from above the material storage unit
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a distance measurement sensor such as an optical, ultrasonic, or radio wave sensor to measure the material level from above
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a distance measurement sensor such as an optical, ultrasonic, or radio wave sensor to measure the material level from above
Data Source
AI summary
A material dispensing device includes a material storage unit that stores a material therein and has an outlet portion at a lower portion thereof, and a dispensing unit that dispenses the material dispensed from the outlet portion to an outside with at least a part of the material being plasticized. The material dispensing device includes a remaining amount detection unit that detects a remaining amount of the material stored in the material storage unit from above the material storage unit. A three-dimensional shaping device includes the material dispensing device that dispenses a material for shaping, and a stage on which the material dispensed from the material dispensing device is stacked.