Multi-Electrode Module for Electrochemical 3D Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D printing devices using electrochemical deposition for metal raw materials suffer from slow stacking speed and quality issues due to air bubble generation during electrochemical electrodeposition.

Innovation Solution

A 3D printing device equipped with a multi-electrode module and a power supply system that includes a resistance element and switching parts, allowing for controlled electrochemical deposition and bubble removal, enabling faster and more uniform metal stacking on a substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single electrode is used for electrochemical deposition, then the device structure is simple, but the printing speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoidelectrode structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single electrode is divided into multiple electrodes (first electrode and second electrode) arranged in parallel. This segmentation allows simultaneous electrochemical deposition at multiple locations, increasing the printing speed while maintaining a relatively simple electrode structure that can be easily fabricated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If electrochemical deposition is performed without bubble removal, then the device structure is simple, but air bubbles accumulate and reduce stacking quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking qualityVSAvoidbubble removal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding complex active bubble removal mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by designing the electrode structure itself to passively facilitate bubble removal. The electrodes are positioned and dimensioned to create natural fluid flow paths that enable bubbles to escape during deposition, achieving bubble removal without additional active components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If multiple electrodes are used for parallel deposition, then the printing speed increases, but the uniformity of stacking becomes difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoiduniformity of stacking

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first electrode and second electrode are designed with identical dimensions and are positioned symmetrically with respect to the substrate. This equipotential configuration ensures that both electrodes operate under the same electrical and chemical conditions, producing uniform deposition rates and achieving consistent stacking quality across the entire substrate surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

4Productivity

If the electrode spacing is small, then the deposition area is compact, but the resistance increases and deposition efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposition efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses two identical electrodes (copies of the same design) positioned in parallel. This copying approach allows the system to achieve the benefits of multiple deposition sites while maintaining optimal spacing between electrodes. The identical configuration ensures consistent electrical characteristics and minimizes resistance issues that would arise from asymmetric or irregular electrode arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 solution significantly increases printing speed, improves stacking quality by effectively removing air bubbles, and allows for multi-stacking and single-stacking in various forms using a multi-electrode module.

Implementation Method 1

a power supply configured to supply power to the substrate and the plurality of electrodes, and a controller configured to control the driver and the power supply to selectively electrodeposit and stack metal ions included in the electrolyte on the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical deposition: Electrodeposition

Implementation Method 2

a tub accommodating an electrolyte, a substrate placed in a state of being immersed in the electrolyte accommodated in the tub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240044030A1Three-dimensional printing device using selective electrochemical deposition

Publication Date: 2024.02.08 ANYCASTING

AI summary

The present invention relates to a three-dimensional printing device using selective electrochemical deposition and particularly to a three-dimensional printing device capable of selectively depositing metal materials onto a substrate by using additive manufacturing by electrochemical deposition (electrochemical additive manufacturing, ECAM).