Plasticizing Device Groove Protrusion Recess Kneading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasticizing devices face challenges in smoothly leading materials into grooves and achieving stable plasticization, particularly in three-dimensional modeling and injection molding processes.

Innovation Solution

A plasticizing device with a rotor having a groove-formed surface and a barrel with a communication hole and heater, where the side surface of the groove features protrusion and recess structures to facilitate smooth material flow and stable plasticization, utilizing a driving motor to rotate the rotor and heat the material for efficient ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a smooth groove surface is used in the rotor, then the material can flow more easily, but the material cannot be sufficiently kneaded and mixed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial flow smoothnessVSAvoidplasticization stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The groove surface is designed with different local properties: the inlet portion has a smooth surface for easy material entry, while the intermediate portion has protrusions and recesses for kneading and mixing. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between smooth flow and sufficient mixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The groove surface is segmented into distinct functional zones: a smooth inlet portion for material entry and a textured intermediate portion with protrusions and recesses for kneading. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the groove depth is increased to improve mixing, then the material flow becomes unstable and plasticization becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidplasticization stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Different groove depths are applied locally: the inlet portion has a first depth optimized for material entry, while the intermediate portion has a second depth with protrusions and recesses for kneading. This local differentiation maintains both mixing effectiveness and flow stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The groove depth varies dynamically along the flow direction, creating a progressive kneading action that stabilizes plasticization while maintaining effective mixing in the intermediate portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the rotor rotation speed is increased to improve productivity, then material leading becomes unstable and plasticization consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasticization speedVSAvoidplasticization consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions and recesses on the groove surface perform preliminary kneading and mixing actions on the material before it exits the groove. This preliminary action ensures consistent plasticization even at higher rotation speeds, maintaining stability while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If a simple groove structure is used to reduce device complexity, then material kneading and mixing are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegroove structure simplicityVSAvoidmaterial mixing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The groove structure uses local complexity only where needed: the inlet portion remains simple for easy material entry, while the intermediate portion incorporates protrusions and recesses for kneading. This selective complexity achieves effective mixing without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The groove structure is segmented into a simple inlet portion and a complex intermediate portion with protrusions and recesses. This segmentation concentrates complexity only where it is needed for kneading, maintaining overall structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device ensures stable plasticization and improved modeling accuracy by enhancing material flow and kneading, leading to increased ejection efficiency and reduced surface roughness of the modeled substance.

Implementation Method 1

a material supplied between the groove and the barrel is plasticized by rotation of the rotor and heating by the heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a material supplied between the groove and the barrel is plasticized by rotation of the rotor and heating by the heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11465347B2Plasticizing device

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A plasticizing device includes a driving motor, a rotor that is rotated by rotation of the driving motor and has a groove-formed surface having a groove formed in a rotation direction, and a barrel that is opposite to the groove-formed surface and has a communication hole and a heater, plasticizes a material supplied between the groove and the barrel by rotation of the rotor and heating by the heater, and causes the plasticized material to flow out from the communication hole. Aside surface of the groove has a protrusion and recess surface including protrusion portions or recess portions.