3D Printing Metering Device for Discrete Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies are limited in their ability to use a wide range of materials, particularly new or newly developed ones, due to the need for pre-formulated and pre-prepared printing materials, which is impractical and laborious, especially in research and development where small quantities of materials are often synthesized or have poor solubility, and living cells cannot be applied in frozen states.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a metering device to pick up and apply printing materials from reservoirs in discrete quantities, allowing for the use of virtually any desired materials, including liquids, solids, cellular suspensions, and biomaterials, with the option to mix and apply small quantities, and to remove material point-by-point, enabling the construction or treatment of three-dimensional objects with enhanced material selection and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-formulated and pre-prepared printing materials are used, then the printing process is simplified and reliable, but the flexibility and range of materials that can be used is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the printing material supply into discrete, individually addressable units (microcontainers, cartridges, vials) that can be selected and applied one at a time. This allows the system to maintain simple automated handling while supporting a wide variety of different materials, as each material unit is self-contained and can be independently managed by the robotic picking and application mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as the robot arm with gripper, the platform with multiple reservoirs, and the metering device that acts as a mediator between the material storage and the application point. These intermediaries enable flexible material selection while maintaining process simplicity through automated handling and precise metering control.
2Reliability
If multiple materials are kept in prefilled containers and metering cartridges, then material supply is reliable, but the preparation work and complexity increases enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the robot arm automatically picks up metering cartridges or microcontainers from the platform, transports them to the application point, and the metering device automatically dispenses the required amount. This automation eliminates manual preparation work while maintaining reliable material supply through standardized, pre-filled containers that require no additional handling or preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal platform that can hold and manage multiple types of materials (liquids, pastes, powders, cellular suspensions, biomaterials) in standardized containers. The robot arm and metering device are designed to handle all these material types through the same interface, reducing overall system complexity despite the diversity of materials supported.
3Adaptability or versatility
If small quantities of newly developed materials are used, then research and development flexibility is improved, but the material handling becomes laborious and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system. The robot arm with programmable gripper picks up microcontainers containing small quantities of new materials, transports them to the application point, and works in coordination with the metering device. This automation makes handling small, diverse quantities of newly developed materials efficient and straightforward, eliminating the laborious manual operations that would otherwise be required.
4Stability of the object's composition
If living cells are applied in frozen state, then material stability is improved, but the applicability and functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables parameter changes in the material state by providing controlled environments for different materials. Living cells can be stored in frozen state for stability when not in use, then thawed and applied in a viable state when needed. The automated system handles both frozen and thawed materials through the same interface, and the controlled environment maintains appropriate conditions throughout the process, allowing cells to remain stable when frozen but fully applicable when thawed.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for the production and/or treatment of a three-dimensional object with a printing material which is dispensed at a target position in the form of discrete three-dimensional printing material elements, a metering device is moved to at least one reservoir in which a supply of printing material is kept and, by means of the metering device, printing material is picked up from that at least one reservoir. The metering device is transported to a target position defined in all three spatial dimensions and, at that target position, a metered quantity of printing material is applied to a substrate or to a three-dimensional object arranged thereon or being constructed thereon, in order to create a printing material element. The creation of a printing material element is repeated until the three-dimensional object has been fully constructed and/or treated. The use of a metering device for picking up, transporting and applying printing material makes it possible for virtually any desired printing materials to be processed and, accordingly, for objects to be produced and/or treated with virtually any desired printing materials.