3D Printer Base With Movable Blocks To Reduce Head Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional (3D) printing processes are inefficient due to unproductive movement of printer heads caused by printing objects with target positions at various distances, leading to increased printing time and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system with a self-adjusting 3D printer base featuring movable blocks that dynamically reposition to minimize unproductive head movement by creating a centralized location for contact points, optimizing the print plan to reduce unnecessary printer head travel and enhance printing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the printer head travels to various distant target positions to print object portions, then all areas of the object can be printed, but printing time increases due to unproductive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The base is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one with movable blocks that can reposition during the printing process. The movable blocks are controlled to move to different positions based on the printer head's current location, dynamically adjusting the printing surface to minimize head travel distance and eliminate unproductive movement between distant object portions
Solution Approach 2:
Movable blocks are introduced as intermediary elements between the stationary base and the printer head. These blocks act as mobile platforms that bring the printing surface closer to the printer head, reducing the distance the head must travel and minimizing the time lost during repositioning operations
2Productivity
If the printer head moves between target positions at various distances, then complete object coverage is achieved, but printing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system becomes dynamic with movable blocks that adjust their positions in real-time during printing. This allows the printer head to maintain a more consistent, shorter distance to the printing surface, effectively increasing the head's operational speed and reducing non-printing movement time
Solution Approach 2:
The movable blocks are positioned in advance according to a predetermined plan that anticipates the printer head's movement pattern. By pre-positioning the blocks to optimal locations, the system minimizes the printer head's travel distance and maximizes printing efficiency without requiring complex real-time adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
Three-dimensional printing of objects is facilitated. For an object to be printed in three-dimensions (3D), one or more contact points relating to the object are determined. A contact point is at least one location on a base of a 3D printer in which a portion of the object is to contact the base based on printing the portion of the object. A centralized location of the base at which one or more movable blocks of the base are to be moved to position the one or more contact points at the centralized location to facilitate printing of the one or more portions of the object is also determined. A print plan to be used to print the object in three-dimensions is created, in which the print plan includes one or more instructions to print at least the one or more portions of the object at the centralized location.