3D Print Head Vibration Cleaning for Nozzle Deposit Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing deposits and clogging in 3D printer nozzles are inefficient, particularly when severe blockages occur, and require chemical cleaning agents that fill the entire fluid system, which is costly and not always effective.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a granular solid, such as zirconium oxide or silica particles, is introduced into the print head, and set into vibration to create a vibratory grinding effect, effectively removing deposits by mechanical means without the need for additional cleaning agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cleaning agents are used to remove deposits in the print head, then the cleaning process can be performed, but the entire fluid system must be filled with the cleaning agent requiring disconnection and reconnection operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning operationVSAvoidfluid system operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The print head cleans itself by generating vibrations that create a scrubbing effect through the liquid medium, eliminating the need for external cleaning agents and manual disconnection operations. The system uses its own operational components (piezo elements or ultrasonic generators) to produce the cleaning action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical disconnection and filling operation is replaced by an acoustic/vibrational field that penetrates the fluid system and creates cleaning action through cavitation and scrubbing effects, substituting complex mechanical operations with a field-based approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If strong spraying of ink is used to remove blockages, then some deposits can be removed, but severe blockages cannot be effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposit removal efficiencyVSAvoidblockage removal capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid medium is set into strong vibrations using piezo elements or ultrasonic generators, creating a vibratory grinding effect that generates sufficient mechanical force to break down and remove even severe blockages through cavitation and scrubbing actions on the nozzle surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state and energy level of the liquid medium is dramatically changed by introducing high-frequency vibrations, transforming it from a static carrier fluid into an active cleaning agent with enhanced mechanical energy capable of removing stubborn deposits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the print head is disconnected to introduce cleaning agent, then cleaning can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning processVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The print head performs its own cleaning operation by generating vibrations within the liquid medium during normal operation or maintenance cycles, eliminating the need for disconnection and manual cleaning agent introduction, thereby reducing cleaning time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning action can be performed continuously or periodically without interrupting the overall printing operation flow, as the vibrational cleaning mechanism integrates with the existing fluid system operation rather than requiring separate disconnection and reconnection cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method efficiently dissolves and removes deposits within the print head, preventing nozzle failures and ensuring high-quality printing by maintaining all nozzles' functionality, while being cost-effective and avoiding chemical processes.

Implementation Method 1

The granular solids that are set into vibration create a vibratory grinding effect (trowalizing effect) that can be used to remove deposits within the print head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibratory grinding effect: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

setting into vibration the liquid in the print head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

the liquid is set into vibration by means of piezo elements in the print head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

by coupling ultrasonic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 5

the liquid is set into vibration with its natural frequency in the print head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20260008235A13D printer

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 IVOCLAR VIVADENT AG

AI summary

A 3D printer with a print head having a feeder for supplying a liquid, having a granular solid, to the print head and a vibration generator for setting into vibration the liquid in the print head.