Print Head Die Temperature Control via Print Material Heat Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 2D and 3D printing, the crusting of print material ingredients on the nozzle plate of a print head die can lead to performance issues and mechanical damage during cleaning, reducing the reliability and quality of the printing process.

Innovation Solution

A system and method to control the temperature of the print head die by using a heat exchange device to adjust the temperature of the print material before ejection, acting as a coolant or heating agent to prevent crusting, which includes a guide structure, an inlet, and an outlet to manage the print material flow and temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the print head die temperature is not controlled, then the printing process can proceed without additional temperature control components, but crusting of print material ingredients occurs on the nozzle plate leading to performance issues and mechanical damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of print material ejection mechanismVSAvoidcomplexity of temperature control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The print material itself is utilized as a thermal medium to regulate the temperature of the print head die. By controlling the temperature of the print material supplied through the guide structure, the system achieves temperature control without requiring separate active cooling or heating components, thus maintaining reliability while avoiding additional device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature of the print material is adjusted as a controllable parameter to prevent crusting on the nozzle plate. By modifying the thermal state of the print material before it reaches the print head die, the system maintains reliable operation without needing complex temperature control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the print material temperature is adjusted using a heat exchange device, then crusting on the nozzle plate is reduced, but additional components and energy consumption are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrusting on nozzle plateVSAvoidenergy consumption of heat exchange device

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the print material from a potential harmful agent (causing crusting when hot) into a beneficial cooling medium. By allowing the print material to absorb excess heat from the print head die during its normal flow, the system eliminates crusting without requiring additional energy-intensive active cooling systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The print material acts as an intermediary thermal medium between the heat source (print head die) and the environment. Instead of directly cooling the print head die with external cooling systems, the print material mediates the heat transfer, reducing crusting while minimizing additional energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If crusting is reduced through temperature control, then maintenance becomes easier and printing speed increases, but the system requires active temperature management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidautomation of temperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The print material automatically performs the temperature regulation function as it flows through the system, eliminating the need for separate automated temperature control mechanisms. This self-service approach simplifies maintenance while avoiding complex automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces crusting on the nozzle plate, facilitating easier maintenance, increasing printing speed, and enhancing the reliability and quality of the print material ejection mechanism by maintaining a stable temperature.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchange device (013) to change the temperature of the print material within the guide structure (012) to a second temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

the print material is to act on the temperature of the print head die (016) while the print material is guided through the print head die (016)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contact heat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11446943B2Acting on the temperature of a print head die

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

An example system includes an inlet, a guide structure, a heat exchange device and an outlet. In that example the heat exchange device is in thermal contact with the guide structure to change the temperature of print material. The print material may act on the temperature of a print head die while guided through the print head die.