3D Printing Movable Gate for Concrete Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional printing systems for building construction struggle to handle the non-uniform consistency of concrete, leading to clogging issues, reduced precision, and increased waste due to the need for higher pressures and larger actuators, which can damage print heads and hoses.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional printing system with a movable gate and hose management assembly that prevents clogging and damage, allowing for precise control of concrete flow and stabilization of hoses, including an elliptical hose cross-section for flexibility and a trowel on the movable gate for material manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If larger valve and aperture size are used to prevent clogging, then material flow is improved, but system precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gate valve is divided into multiple segments that can independently rotate around the discharge aperture. This segmentation allows the valve to effectively control material flow from multiple angles without requiring a single large aperture, thus maintaining positioning accuracy while preventing clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate valve transitions from a static structure to a dynamic rotating mechanism. The ability to rotate the gate segments allows adaptive control of material flow direction and volume, enabling precise material distribution while accommodating aggregate particles in concrete.
2Productivity
If higher pressure is applied to expel concrete, then material discharge is improved, but print head and hose damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating gate valve dynamically regulates material flow by adjusting its position and opening angle. This dynamic control allows concrete to be expelled at controlled rates without requiring excessive pressure, thereby preventing damage to the print head and hose while maintaining productive material discharge.
3Quantity of substance
If heavier actuators are used to move the system, then material handling capability is improved, but positioning accuracy and system stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The material flow control is segmented into multiple rotating gate sections rather than requiring a single heavy actuator. Each segment can be controlled independently with lighter actuators, collectively achieving the material handling capability of a single large system while maintaining superior positioning accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If uncontrolled hose movement occurs, then system flexibility is improved, but structural integrity and printing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is equipped with dynamic positioning systems including rollers and guides that actively track and support hose movement. This dynamic support system allows the hose to flex and adapt to system movements while preventing uncontrolled movement that would compromise printing accuracy or structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a three-dimensional printing system which is capable of printing with multiple different printing materials, including homogenous materials, such as cement paste, or heterogeneous materials, such as concrete. Functionality is accomplished by novel, critical structures including but not limited to a movable gate capable of controlling the flow of printing materials without clogging or becoming otherwise damaged. The system has a print head that discharges printing material through a discharge aperture. The movable gate is rotatably connected to the print head, allowing it to cover the discharge aperture and cut off the flow of printing material when actuated and rotated into position. Certain embodiments also include hose positioning systems to prevent hoses delivering printing material from disconnecting or damaging the printed structure.