Modular Axial Drive Module for 3D Printer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printers are complex and heavy, requiring 5 hours to assemble and weighing 10 kg or more due to their metal frames, making them difficult to assemble and transport.
Innovation Solution
An assembly-type axial drive module composed of multiple component blocks that are easy to assemble and disassemble, featuring a modular design with gears, boards, and motors, allowing for improved portability and simplified assembly of a 3D printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal frame structure is used for the 3D printer, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight increases to 10 kg or more
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D printer is divided into multiple independent modules including a base module, vertical module, horizontal module, and nozzle module. Each module can be assembled and disassembled separately, reducing the weight of individual components that need to be moved during assembly and operation, while maintaining overall structural strength through modular connections.
2Reliability
If a complex assembly structure is used for the 3D printer, then functional reliability is improved, but assembly time increases to 5 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The printer is segmented into functional modules (base module with Z-axis movement, vertical module with Y-axis movement, horizontal module with X-axis movement, and nozzle module) that can be independently assembled and tested, reducing overall assembly complexity and time while maintaining functional reliability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is pre-assembled and pre-tested before final integration. The base module, vertical module, horizontal module, and nozzle module are prepared in advance with their respective components (motors, rails, belts) already configured, allowing for rapid final assembly without requiring complex on-site configuration.
3Ease of operation
If a modular component design is used for the axial drive module, then ease of assembly and portability are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple component blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that can be used across different modules. The base module, vertical module, horizontal module, and nozzle module all use compatible mounting holes, fastening mechanisms, and alignment features, reducing the complexity of interfacing between modules while maintaining ease of assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly-type axial drive module includes: a first motor having a gear protruding from a rear side thereof; a first board coupled to the rear side of the first motor; a second board coupled to a rear side of the first board; a third board coupled to a rear side of the second board; a fourth board coupled to a rear side of the third board; a fifth board coupled to a rear side of the fourth board; a sixth board coupled to a rear side of the fifth board; a seventh board coupled to a rear side of the sixth board to provide weight balancing; and a second motor coupled to a rear side of the seventh board and connected to a filament storage unit storing filaments to move the filaments.