Multi-Head 3D Printer Offset Carrier Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies are limited in producing multiple objects simultaneously due to the need for multiple devices or devices with multiple print heads, leading to high production costs and slow printing speeds, especially for small series production.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of print heads along at least two of the three translation axes on a carrier element, allowing for increased mobility and compact structure, enabling multiple print heads to be moved with a single actuator, and the use of rotation actuators for additional flexibility in object shaping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple devices are operated simultaneously to produce multiple objects, then the number of objects produced increases, but the production costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple print heads and multiple object holders into a single integrated device. The print heads are arranged on a common support element, and object holders are arranged on common object holder supports, allowing multiple objects to be printed simultaneously in one device rather than requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element and object holder supports serve multiple functions simultaneously. The support element carries multiple print heads that can print different objects, and the object holder supports carry multiple object holders, creating a multi-functional system that increases productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple devices are operated simultaneously to produce multiple objects, then the number of objects produced increases, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple print heads and multiple object holders into a single integrated device. The print heads are arranged on a common support element, and object holders are arranged on common object holder supports, allowing multiple objects to be printed simultaneously in one device rather than requiring multiple separate devices.
3Productivity
If print heads are arranged in a row to print multiple objects simultaneously, then the number of objects produced increases, but the device size increases and translation actuator size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging print heads in a single row along one translation axis, the patent distributes print heads across multiple dimensions by arranging them on support elements that can be positioned in three-dimensional space. Object holders are arranged on object holder supports that extend in different directions, allowing print heads to access objects in multiple spatial dimensions rather than requiring a long linear arrangement.
4Volume of moving object
If print heads are arranged offset on carrier elements along at least two translation axes, then the device becomes more compact, but the arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional arrangement of print heads on support elements and object holders on object holder supports. This allows compact packaging of multiple print heads by utilizing spatial distribution in three dimensions rather than requiring linear expansion in one dimension, reducing overall device volume while maintaining accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for simultaneous 3D printing of a plurality of objects, comprising a plurality of printing heads (2) and a plurality of object holders (4) each associated with one of the printing heads (2), wherein: the printing heads (2) and the object holders (4) can be moved relative to one another along three translation axes in three spatial dimensions by means of at least three translation actuators (6, 7, 8); the printing heads (2) are arranged on exactly one carrier element (3) and the object holders (4) are arranged on one or more object holder carriers (5), or the printing heads (2) are arranged on a plurality of carrier elements (3) and the object holders (4) are arranged on exactly one object holder carrier (5); the printing heads (2) are arranged on the one carrier element (3) or the plurality of carrier elements (3) at an offset along at least two of the three translation axes.