3D Printing Nozzle Calibration via Hard Stop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing systems face challenges in calibrating the height of a printing nozzle within a heated chamber, where high temperatures make it difficult to use standard electronic devices or sensors, risking nozzle damage during manual measurement.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing nozzle calibration system that includes a heated chamber, a moving printing base plate, a carriage with a hard stop mechanism, and a printer controller, which allows the base plate to touch the nozzle and record its height, preventing physical contact and enabling precise calibration within a hot environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement method is used to calibrate nozzle height, then calibration can be performed, but there is a risk of damaging the nozzle by crashing it into the printing base plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hard stop mechanism as an intermediary between the nozzle and the base plate. The hard stop acts as a mechanical mediator that prevents direct contact between the nozzle and base plate during calibration, eliminating the risk of nozzle damage while enabling accurate height measurement through the stop's controlled disconnection point
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual measurement process with an automated mechanical calibration system. The controller automatically moves the base plate to predetermined positions and triggers calibration when the hard stop disconnects, substituting manual operations with an automated mechanical system that improves both precision and safety
2Measurement precision
If standard electronic devices or distance sensors are used for calibration in heated chamber, then measurement can be obtained, but the high temperature environment makes it difficult to use these devices and risks nozzle damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the heated chamber environment by using a mechanical hard stop mechanism that operates outside the temperature-sensitive electronic device zone. The calibration measurement is obtained through mechanical disconnection detection rather than through electronic sensors exposed to high temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The hard stop serves as a simple, robust mechanical component that can be easily replaced if needed, unlike expensive electronic sensors. It provides a reliable calibration reference through its controlled disconnection point without requiring protection from high temperatures
3Device complexity
If nozzle height is not calibrated at multiple points, then calibration process is simpler, but the printing base plate is not perfectly flat so single-point calibration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calibration process into multiple discrete measurement points on the base plate. The controller automatically moves the base plate to predetermined positions and performs calibration at each point, breaking down the complex task of multi-point calibration on an uneven surface into manageable, repeatable steps
Data Source
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AI summary
A 3D printing nozzle calibration system, comprising a heated chamber; a printing base plate mounted inside the heated chamber; printing base moving means configured to move the printing base plate; a moving carriage; at least one rail on which the moving carriage is configured to slide up and down; a printing nozzle partially mounted inside the heated chamber; the printing nozzle is connected to the moving carriage; a hard stop connected to the moving carriage; a fixed part on which the hard stop is resting; and a printer controller; wherein the printing base plate is configured to move up, up to a point where the printing base plate touches the printing nozzle in a determined point of the printing base plate, thereby causing the hard stop to disconnect from the fixed part; and wherein the printer controller is configured to store a height of the printing base plate upon the disconnection.