Multi-Supply Automatic Switching Extrusion Apparatus for 3D Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D printers with multiple extruders for printing supplies of different colors and materials face high production costs and complex supply switching processes due to the large number of extruders, making automatic switching inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A multi-supply automatic switching extrusion apparatus with a supply extrusion module, cutting module, and sensor systems that allow for automatic identification and switching of supplies, cutting off irregular ends to prevent jamming, and ensuring smooth delivery to the printhead without manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple extruders are used to print supplies of different colors and materials, then the printing capability is improved, but the production cost increases and the supply switching process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidnumber of extruders

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the supply delivery function into multiple independent feeding channels (first feeding channel, second feeding channel, etc.), each capable of supplying different materials. This segmentation allows multiple supplies to be fed through separate paths that converge at a common discharging channel, eliminating the need for multiple extruders while maintaining multi-material printing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single extruder is designed to perform multiple functions by receiving supplies from different feeding channels through automatic switching. The extruder can switch between different feeding channels based on control signals, making one extruder universal enough to handle multiple materials and colors, thereby reducing the total number of extruders needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple extruders are used to print supplies of different colors and materials, then the printing capability is improved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple feeding channels are merged into a single common discharging channel that leads to one extruder. This merging reduces the number of expensive components (extruders) while maintaining the ability to print with multiple materials. The system combines the supply paths from different channels at a convergence point, allowing cost-effective multi-material printing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If supplies are switched between multiple extruders, then different materials can be printed, but the switching process becomes complicated and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial switching capabilityVSAvoidswitching process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic switching between feeding channels using sensors and control mechanisms. When the current supply is depleted, the system automatically detects this condition and switches to the next feeding channel without manual intervention. This self-service capability simplifies operation while maintaining multi-material printing flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors are installed in each feeding channel to detect the supply status (whether supply is present or depleted). This feedback information is used by the control system to automatically determine when to switch between feeding channels, enabling convenient and accurate material switching without complex manual operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If supply ends are not cut, then the supply can be continuously fed, but irregular ends cause blocking and jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous feedingVSAvoidsupply delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A cutting device is installed in the feeding channel to trim the supply ends before they reach the extruder. This preliminary action ensures that the supply ends are always regular and properly shaped, preventing blocking and jamming during continuous feeding operations. The cutting function is performed automatically as part of the supply delivery process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240351289A1Printing control method, storage medium, and multi-supply automatic switching extrusion apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 SHENZHEN ANYCUBIC TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A printing control method, storage medium, and a 3D printing device, applicable in a multi-supply automatic switching extrusion apparatus, includes: if a supply replacement signal is acquired, identifying a target feeding channel corresponding to the supply replacement signal; controlling a supply corresponding to a current feeding channel to return to a set position, and while the supply corresponding to the current feeding channel is returning to the set position, cutting off an end portion of the supply corresponding to the current feeding channel; and controlling an end portion of a supply corresponding to the target feeding channel to move to a printhead of a 3D printer, thus allowing the 3D printer to continue to execute a printing action. The present invention implements the automatic switching of multiple supplies without requiring manual operation and ensures that blocking and jamming of a supply are avoided when the supply is used again.