3D Shaping Nozzle Switching Control for Ejection Responsiveness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional shaping apparatuses face inefficiencies in shaping time due to deteriorated ejection responsiveness of nozzles, particularly when switching from one nozzle to another, as the flow of plasticized material is not effectively managed, leading to prolonged shaping times.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional shaping apparatus with a control unit that performs a switching process to switch from a state where the first nozzle is stopped and the second nozzle is active to a state where both nozzles are active, and an ejection amount decreasing process is implemented before this switch, by controlling the ejection adjusting sections and the screw, to improve nozzle responsiveness and manage material flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple nozzles communicate through a common flow channel to shorten shaping time, then productivity is improved, but ejection responsiveness of individual nozzles deteriorates when switching between nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary actions by decreasing the ejection amount from the currently active nozzle before switching to the next nozzle. This prepares the common flow channel for faster response when the next nozzle needs to eject, reducing the delay caused by material flow redistribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the ejection amount parameter of nozzles during operation. By adjusting the ejection amount of the active nozzle before switching, the system optimizes material flow distribution in the common channel, enabling faster response when switching to the next nozzle without sacrificing overall productivity.
2Speed
If ejection amount from the second nozzle is decreased before switching to the first nozzle, then ejection responsiveness of the first nozzle is improved, but the ejection amount control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements a feedback mechanism that automatically adjusts the ejection amount of the active nozzle based on the upcoming nozzle switch. This automated feedback control manages the complexity of coordinating multiple nozzles with varying ejection amounts, simplifying the control process while maintaining optimal ejection responsiveness.
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 enhances the ejection responsiveness of the first nozzle, shortens shaping time, and maintains the ejection amount of the second nozzle after switching, thereby improving shaping efficiency and miniaturizing the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a plasticizing section that includes a screw and plasticizes a material by rotating the screw to form a plasticized material
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shaping apparatus includes a plasticizing section, a stage, an ejection section having a first nozzle and a second nozzle, each of which communicates with the plasticizing section, a first ejection adjusting section, a second ejection adjusting section, a moving section that relatively moves the ejection section with respect to the stage, and a control unit. The control unit performs a switching process for switching from a first state in which the ejection of the plasticized material from the first nozzle is stopped and the plasticized material is ejected from the second nozzle to a second state in which the plasticized material is ejected from the first nozzle and the second nozzle by controlling the first ejection adjusting section and the second ejection adjusting section, and an ejection amount decreasing process for decreasing the ejection amount of the plasticized material from the second nozzle by controlling the screw or the second ejection adjusting section before switching from the first state to the second state.