3D Print Head with Central Mesh Opening and Splitter Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D mortar printing technologies lack automated mesh insertion due to the mesh being dragged by the printing material, and existing solutions are not applicable to various types of mortars like cementitious, geopolymeric, or clay-based products.
Innovation Solution
A print head device with a central opening for mesh passage, splitter channels for mortar material distribution, and actuation means to control blockage, allowing simultaneous mortar deposition and mesh reinforcement without interference, integrated with a structural reinforcement feed system and cutting mechanism for efficient mesh handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mesh reinforcement is inserted during 3D mortar printing, then structural strength and ductility are improved, but the mesh may be dragged by the printing material causing insertion failure
Solution Approach 1:
The print head is divided into separate functional zones: a mesh insertion channel and mortar material channels. The mesh is inserted through a dedicated central opening in the front plane, while mortar is deposited through separate passage channels. This segmentation prevents the mortar from contacting and dragging the mesh during insertion, resolving the contradiction between achieving structural reinforcement and maintaining reliable mesh insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
A blockage means is introduced as an intermediary mechanism to control the timing of mortar flow. The blockage means can be actuated to block or allow mortar passage through the passage channels. By controlling the blockage timing, the system ensures mortar is deposited only after the mesh is properly in place, preventing the mesh from being dragged by premature mortar flow while still achieving structural reinforcement.
2Productivity
If automated mesh insertion is implemented, then productivity and automation level are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The print head is segmented into distinct functional components: a body with a front plane, back plane, central opening for mesh, separate passage channels for mortar, and a blockage means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling automated mesh insertion without requiring overly complex integrated mechanisms. The modular structure improves productivity while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The print head design integrates multiple functions into a single device: mesh insertion through the central opening, mortar deposition through passage channels, and flow control via the blockage means. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mesh insertion equipment and mortar printing equipment, improving productivity by combining operations while managing device complexity through integrated design.
3Manufacturing precision
If the blockage means is actuated to control mortar flow, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the risk of clogging and equipment failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blockage means serves as an intermediary control mechanism between the mortar source and the deposition point. By actuating the blockage means, the system can precisely control when mortar flows through the passage channels, ensuring accurate deposition timing and position. The blockage means is designed to be independently actuatable, allowing precise control while managing the risk of clogging through controlled flow activation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of additive manufacturing, more specifically to three-dimensional (3D) printing of mortar with vertical mesh reinforcement insertion and a printing system (20) comprising it, for the construction area. The present disclosure comprises a print head device (1) for additive manufacturing providing structural reinforcement in the form of a mesh, allowing the mesh to go through the printing device while not dragging the printed material - mortar-with it.