3D Shaping Device Piezoelectric Nozzle Dispensing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional shaping devices face challenges in accurately changing the dispensing amount of plasticized material due to time lags and pressure fluctuations in the flow path, particularly when adjusting the butterfly valve.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional shaping device with a dispensing amount adjustment unit that changes the area of the opening in the flow path and a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts the flow path pressure, controlled by a unit to precisely manage the dispensing amount, reducing time lags and fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a butterfly valve is used to adjust the flow rate of molten material, then the dispensing amount can be changed, but time lag and pressure fluctuation occur causing inaccurate dispensing control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical butterfly valve adjustment system with a piezoelectric actuator that directly controls the nozzle opening area. This substitution eliminates the long flow path and pressure fluctuations associated with butterfly valve adjustment, enabling accurate and responsive dispensing amount control through direct piezoelectric ceramic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a piezoelectric actuator as an intermediary between the control system and the material flow. This actuator converts electrical signals directly into mechanical displacement of the nozzle, providing precise control without the intermediate steps and pressure fluctuations of traditional valve-based systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If the flow path length is reduced to eliminate time lag, then dispensing accuracy improves, but the structural complexity of the nozzle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex flow path modifications with a piezoelectric actuator integrated into the nozzle. This approach achieves accurate dispensing control through direct actuation of the nozzle opening area, avoiding the need for complex flow path redesign while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Productivity
If the opening area in the flow path is changed to adjust dispensing amount, then material flow rate changes, but pressure fluctuation occurs affecting line width consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical opening area adjustment that causes pressure fluctuations with a piezoelectric actuator system. The piezoelectric ceramic provides smooth, controlled deformation that adjusts the nozzle opening area without creating the pressure surges and fluctuations associated with mechanical valve adjustment, thereby maintaining line width consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and control parameters by using piezoelectric material properties (electrical-to-mechanical conversion) instead of mechanical valve parameters. This allows for precise, continuous adjustment of the nozzle opening area with smooth transitions, eliminating the stepwise adjustments and pressure fluctuations that affect line width consistency in mechanical systems.
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 accurate and precise control over the dispensing amount, reducing line width fluctuations and ensuring consistent material deposition during shape changes.
Implementation Method 1
a dispensing amount adjustment unit that communicates with the nozzle opening, is provided in a flow path through which the plasticized material flows, and adjusts the dispensing amount of the plasticized material from the nozzle opening by changing an area of an opening formed in the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shaping device includes: a plasticizing unit; a nozzle configured to dispense a plasticized material from a nozzle opening toward a stage; a dispensing amount adjustment unit configured to communicate with the nozzle opening, be provided in a flow path through which the plasticized material flows, and adjust a dispensing amount of the plasticized material from the nozzle opening by changing an area of an opening formed in the flow path; a pressure adjustment unit configured to adjust pressure of the flow path through a branch flow path coupled to the flow path between the dispensing amount adjustment unit and the nozzle opening; and a control unit configured to control the dispensing amount adjustment unit and the pressure adjustment unit. When the control unit changes the dispensing amount from a first dispensing amount to a second dispensing amount, the control unit controls the dispensing amount adjustment unit to change the area of the opening, and then controls the pressure adjustment unit to adjust the pressure of the flow path. The second dispensing amount is a dispensing amount when the plasticized material is dispensed from the nozzle opening.