Metal Membrane Piezoelectric Ejection for 3D Print Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric actuator systems for 3D printers are complex to manufacture, require complex drive electronics, and are structurally sensitive, limiting their efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A material ejection system with a metal membrane and piezoelectric element configuration that utilizes a d33 effect for orthogonal movement, combined with a quasi-bi-morph deformation to enhance the linear motion of an extension member, allowing for precise and efficient material ejection through nozzle openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stacked piezoelectric elements are used for material ejection, then material ejection capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and structural sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the piezoelectric actuator into separate functional components: a piezoelectric element for actuation, a metal membrane for signal transmission, and an extension member for material ejection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing while reducing structural sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal membrane acts as an intermediary between the piezoelectric element and the extension member. It transmits the actuation signal from the piezoelectric element to the extension member, enabling decoupled optimization of each component and reducing the structural sensitivity of the overall system.
2Device complexity
If stacked piezoelectric elements are used for material ejection, then material ejection capability is achieved, but drive electronics complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal transmission function from the piezoelectric element itself and places it in a separate metal membrane. This allows the piezoelectric element to be simplified for actuation while the metal membrane handles the signal transmission, reducing the complexity of drive electronics required.
3Measurement precision
If conventional piezoelectric actuators are used, then material ejection is achieved, but precision and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining piezoelectric material with a metal membrane and extension member. This composite design leverages the piezoelectric effect for actuation while the metal components provide precise signal transmission and efficient material ejection, improving both precision and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the metal membrane can vibrate or deform in response to piezoelectric actuation, allowing for precise control of material ejection timing and position. This dynamic response enables high precision and efficiency in the ejection process.
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 system achieves improved precision and efficiency in material ejection with reduced complexity and cost, enabling controlled ejection of droplets with enhanced amplitude and reduced thermal strain on the actuator.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element provided on the first electrode... a lateral contraction and expansion of the piezoelectric element, against the metal membrane causes an orthogonal movement
Implementation Method 2
the at least one heating element of the PCB layer is in thermal contact with the material channel plate for heating the material in the respective one or more material reservoirs
Data Source
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AI summary
A material ejection system, a print head, a 3D printer, and a method for material ejection is provided. The material ejection system comprises: a housing; a plate provided in the housing and dividing the housing in an upper space and a lower space, wherein the lower space is configured to hold a material for ejection; a controller unit; one or more material ejection units each comprising: a membrane formed by two essentially parallel slits in the plate, a first electrode provided above the membrane in the upper space, a piezoelectric element provided on the first electrode, a second electrode provided on the piezoelectric element, wherein the first and second electrodes are each electrically connected to the controller unit for providing a voltage to the piezoelectric element, and an extension member provided underneath the membrane extending into the lower space. The material ejection system further comprises a nozzle plate provided at a bottom end of the housing and comprising one or more nozzle openings formed at positions corresponding to a respective lower portion of a respective extension member and provided at a predetermined distance from said lower portion in the lower space.