Multichannel Head Assembly with Single-Direction Polygon Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printing technologies face issues with control precision, modeling speed, and productivity due to the use of a line-based scan method, which results in low modeling quality and limited complexity in handling multiple heads for a single product.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel head assembly that includes a modeling light source unit with N beams, a light guide unit, and a control unit to guide and control the beams for simultaneous scanning on multiple planes, utilizing a polygon mirror rotating in a single direction to enhance modeling speed and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a line-based scan method is used with a moving head on transfer rails, then the apparatus can model three-dimensional products, but control precision and modeling speed are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical line-based scanning system (head moving on transfer rails) with a polygon mirror-based optical scanning system. The polygon mirror rotates to deflect laser beams across multiple modeling planes simultaneously, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical head movement and achieving both high precision and high speed through optical rather than mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from scanning a single plane sequentially to simultaneously scanning multiple modeling planes (first, second, and third planes) using multiple polygon mirrors arranged at different angles. This multi-dimensional approach allows parallel processing of multiple product models, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining precision through independent control of each beam path.
2Ease of operation
If a heavy head is directly moved on transfer rails, then the scanning mechanism can be implemented, but vibration is generated during acceleration and deceleration reducing modeling quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the heavy moving head on transfer rails by replacing it with a stationary head that uses rotating polygon mirrors for beam deflection. This substitution of mechanical translation with optical rotation removes the source of vibration during acceleration and deceleration, thereby improving modeling quality while maintaining the scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses dynamically rotating polygon mirrors instead of statically positioned scanning heads. The mirrors rotate at controlled speeds to deflect beams across multiple planes, allowing continuous motion without the start-stop acceleration cycles that cause vibration in traditional systems. This dynamic optical approach maintains stable beam delivery throughout the scanning process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heads cooperate to model a single product, then the configuration can handle complex products, but the complexity of the configuration increases limiting productivity improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function across multiple independent polygon mirrors (first, second, and third polygon mirrors) that operate in parallel on different modeling planes. Each mirror handles a specific plane or product model independently, allowing complex multi-product modeling without requiring coordinated movement of a single heavy head. This segmentation reduces configuration complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal scanning system where multiple polygon mirrors can simultaneously model multiple products on multiple planes using the same basic optical components and control architecture. The system can adapt to different product configurations and modeling requirements without requiring additional complex mechanical structures, achieving versatility through standardized multi-functional optical modules.
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
This solution enables high-speed modeling beam radiation, reduces vibration and noise, and improves modeling quality by controlling the rotation of polygon mirrors, allowing for simultaneous modeling of multiple products and increasing productivity in 3D printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first light guide unit (20) which includes a first polygon mirror (21) and having a function for receiving a modeling beam and for having the received modeling beam incident on a second light guide unit (30) through a first reflection by the first polygon mirror (21)
Implementation Method 2
a second light guide unit (30) which includes a second polygon mirror (31) and has a function for having a modeling beam incident from the first light guide unit (20) and for having the modeling beam incident on a modeling plane (10) through a second reflection by the second polygon mirror (31)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multichannel head assembly for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus which can improve productivity by simultaneously or synchronously modeling a plurality of three-dimensional shaped objects having the same shape or different shapes, and a three-dimensional modeling apparatus using the same, the present invention comprising: a modeling light source unit for allowing N modeling beams to be incident to a light guide unit; the light guide unit for receiving the N incident modeling beams and having a function of guiding each of the N modeling beams along a predetermined path so as to allow the N modeling beams to be incident to N modeling planes in one-to-one correspondence with each other; and a control unit for controlling driving of the modeling light source unit and driving of the light guide unit to be linked with each other.