3D Printer Nozzle with Slidable Ejection Port Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fused deposition modeling apparatuses face challenges in achieving precise shape control and reducing modeling time while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design, as adding multiple nozzles increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus with a heating portion, a nozzle, a slidable plate-like member with multiple openings, and an ejection port switching mechanism that allows for easy switching between different openings to control the sectional shape of ejected thermoplastic resin, enabling precise shape control and efficient modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzles are provided to vary ejection port shape, then shape control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle is segmented into multiple functional sections: a heating section with heating coils, a deposition section with the ejection port, and a connection section. This segmentation allows the heating function to be separated from the ejection function, enabling shape control through temperature management rather than requiring multiple nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the resin in the heating section to control the resin's viscosity and flow characteristics. By adjusting the heating temperature, different ejection shapes and volumes are achieved, replacing the need for multiple nozzles with different port shapes.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzles are provided to vary ejection port shape, then shape control precision is improved, but apparatus cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle is designed to perform multiple functions: heating the resin, controlling resin flow through temperature management, and ejecting the resin with controlled shape. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized nozzles, reducing apparatus cost while maintaining shape control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manufacturing multiple nozzles with different physical shapes, the invention achieves shape control by changing the temperature parameter. This parameter-based control approach is more cost-effective as it requires only a single nozzle design with integrated heating capability.
3Productivity
If heating temperature is increased to improve resin flow, then resin flow consistency is improved, but resin solidification risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Heating is applied locally only to the resin in the heating section, not to the entire nozzle or the deposited resin. The heating coils are positioned to heat only the resin that needs to maintain flow characteristics, preventing overheating and solidification of already deposited material.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is segmented into a heating section and a deposition section, allowing independent temperature control. The heating section maintains elevated temperature for flow consistency, while the deposition section allows controlled cooling and solidification of the ejected resin.
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
The apparatus achieves high precision in shape and reduces modeling time by allowing for easy switching between ejection ports, maintaining a compact and cost-effective design by using a single nozzle with a plate-like member that can be heated to prevent clogging and ensure consistent resin flow.
Implementation Method 1
a heating portion (3) that heats and fuses the thermoplastic resin
Implementation Method 2
heats and fuses the thermoplastic resin, and a nozzle (4) that guides the fused thermoplastic resin to an ejection port
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes a heating portion, a nozzle, a member, and an ejection port switching portion. The heating portion configured to heat and fuse a thermoplastic resin. The nozzle configured to guide the fused thermoplastic resin to an ejection port. The member disposed to be slidable on a distal end surface of the nozzle and provided with plural openings. The ejection port switching portion configured to align one opening among the plural openings with a distal end of the nozzle.