Nested Screw Plasticizing Apparatus for Multi-Material 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional modeling apparatuses become large and complex when attempting to plasticize multiple materials simultaneously, as they require multiple units arranged in a horizontal direction to process different materials effectively.
Innovation Solution
A plasticizing apparatus with a barrel and two screws, where the first screw generates a first molten material by rotating relative to the barrel and the second screw generates a second molten material by rotating relative to the first screw, allowing for the simultaneous plasticization of different materials using a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple units are arranged in the horizontal direction to plasticize different materials simultaneously, then the ability to process multiple materials is improved, but the apparatus size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the second screw is disposed inside the side wall of the first screw, and the second barrel is disposed inside the first barrel. This nested arrangement allows two complete plasticizing units to be housed within the space of a single conventional unit, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple materials while maintaining a compact apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging multiple units in the horizontal direction (one dimension), the patent transitions to a concentric arrangement along the vertical axis (another dimension). The first and second screws are arranged coaxially, with the second screw inside the first screw, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal space to achieve multi-material processing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple units are arranged in the horizontal direction to plasticize different materials simultaneously, then multi-material processing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two complete plasticizing units into a single integrated structure. The first screw and second screw share a common drive mechanism where the drive unit rotates both screws in different directions. The barrels are also merged into a single housing structure, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining multi-material processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit serves multiple functions by simultaneously rotating both the first screw and the second screw in opposite directions. This single drive mechanism replaces what would traditionally require two separate drive units, reducing device complexity while enabling the apparatus to process multiple materials simultaneously through a unified control system.
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
Enables the efficient plasticization of multiple materials within a small apparatus, reducing complexity and size while maintaining effective material processing, allowing for the creation of three-dimensional models with varied external and internal characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a first screw generates first molten material by plasticizing a first material supplied to a first groove portion by a relative rotation with the barrel
Implementation Method 2
a first screw generates first molten material by plasticizing a first material supplied to a first groove portion by a relative rotation with the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A plasticizing apparatus includes a barrel that is provided with a first through-hole along a first axis, a first screw in which a first groove portion having a spiral shape about a first axis is provided in a surface facing a barrel, a side wall having a cylindrical shape is provided along an outer peripheral edge of a surface facing a side opposite to the barrel, and a second through-hole is provided along the first axis, a second screw of which at least a part is disposed inside the side wall and a second groove portion having a spiral shape about the first axis is provided in a surface facing the barrel with the first screw interposed therebetween, and a drive unit that rotates the first screw and the second screw about the first axis by making angular velocity vectors thereof different from each other with respect to the barrel.