Non-Planar 3D Printing Nozzle Path Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional FDM 3D printing techniques face challenges with inter-layer strength and accuracy, particularly due to the deposition of material in horizontal, flat layers which can lead to weak adhesion and mechanical weaknesses, such as layers peeling apart under thermal stress.

Innovation Solution

The system employs an extruder with a nozzle tip that adjusts its path based on the slope of the object's surface, applying a correction factor to maintain consistent material thickness and improve adhesion, using a controller to calculate and apply these corrections dynamically, allowing for non-planar layer deposition and interlocking of layers to enhance structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If material is deposited in horizontal, flat layers using conventional FDM, then the printing process is simple and fast, but inter-layer strength is weak and layers may peel apart under thermal stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-layer strengthVSAvoidprinting process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the layer geometry adaptive rather than static. Layers are deposited with varying thickness and orientation based on local surface slopes and thermal stress analysis. The system dynamically adjusts deposition parameters including layer angle, thickness, and positioning to optimize inter-layer bonding while maintaining structural integrity under thermal loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by applying different deposition strategies to different regions of the printed object. Areas with high thermal stress or steep slopes receive enhanced layer interlocking features such as increased layer thickness, modified layer angles, or interdigitated patterns. This localized optimization strengthens critical regions without unnecessarily complicating the entire printing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the nozzle path is adjusted to follow surface slopes, then material thickness consistency improves, but the correction calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial thickness consistencyVSAvoidcorrection calculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the corrected nozzle path and deposition parameters before the actual printing process. The system computes the optimal nozzle trajectory that compensates for surface slopes, ensuring consistent material thickness. This pre-planning approach eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during printing, reducing computational burden while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with computational methods. Instead of using additional mechanical components to physically adjust nozzle positioning based on slope, the system uses software algorithms to calculate and apply correction factors to the digital toolpath. This substitution of computational correction for mechanical complexity achieves precision without adding physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional FDM deposits material in uniform horizontal layers, then the printing process is straightforward, but the ability to create complex geometries and interlocking layers is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometry complexity capabilityVSAvoidprinting operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the layer deposition dynamic and adaptive to the desired geometry. Instead of forcing complex geometries into uniform horizontal layers, the system automatically adjusts layer orientation, thickness, and positioning to match the target shape. This dynamic adaptation enables creation of complex geometries with interlocking layers while the controller handles the complexity, keeping the user interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the printing system to automatically determine optimal layer configurations without user intervention. The controller analyzes the digital model, calculates appropriate layer paths, thickness variations, and interlocking features, then executes the deposition autonomously. This self-adjusting capability provides geometric versatility while maintaining operational simplicity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach results in stronger, more accurate 3D printed objects with improved inter-layer strength and a closer match to the intended shape, addressing the limitations of conventional FDM by enabling the creation of complex geometries and customized parts with enhanced mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

forcing a solid plastic feedstock through a heated nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

an extruder for one or more deposition materials, the extruder including at least one nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10899071B2Systems and methods for improved 3D printing
Publication Date: 2021.01.26 AUTODESK INC
  • US10899071B2 patent drawing
  • US10899071B2 patent drawing
  • US10899071B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for fabricating an object includes an extruder for one or more deposition materials. The extruder has at least one nozzle with a nozzle tip that includes an exit orifice and has a width that is equal to or larger than a width of the exit orifice. The system also includes a controller coupled with the extruder, the controller configured to apply a correction factor that has been calculated for a path of the nozzle based on a slope of a surface of an object to be fabricated. The correction factor for a positive slope is different from that for a negative slope. The extruder is configured to cause movement of the nozzle along the path to deposit material on the slope of the surface of the object, and the correction factor removes differences in thickness of the deposited material caused by the slope in relation to the path.