3D Printer Head Unit Distal-End Rotation Axis Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In three-dimensional-object printing apparatuses using an ink jet method, the placement of a heavy print head and drive substrate at the distal end of an articulated robot leads to increased load on the joint, causing vibration issues and degrading print quality due to long wiring that attenuates signals and introduces noise.
Innovation Solution
The distal-end rotation axis is located between the print head and drive substrate, reducing the load on the joint and minimizing vibrations by acting as a counterweight, and shortening wiring to improve signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the print head and drive substrate are positioned at the distal end of the articulated robot, then the wiring length is shortened, but the load on the distal-end joint increases and vibration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drive substrate is positioned to function as a counterweight that balances the heavy print head. By placing the drive substrate at a specific location on the robot arm rather than at the distal end, the center of gravity is balanced, reducing the load on the distal-end joint while keeping wiring length short.
2Length of stationary object
If the print head and drive substrate are positioned at the distal end of the articulated robot, then the wiring length is shortened, but print quality deteriorates due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The drive substrate serves as a counterweight to balance the print head, reducing vibration of the distal-end joint during robot operation. This vibration reduction maintains print quality while the close positioning of components keeps wiring length short.
3Device complexity
If the drive substrate is fixed at the base portion of the articulated robot, then the wiring layout is simplified, but signal attenuation and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two functional parts: the drive substrate positioned on the robot arm for signal integrity, and the base portion for control. This segmentation allows the drive substrate to be close to the print head (short wiring) while maintaining a stable reference point at the base.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional-object printing apparatus includes: a head unit including a head configured to eject liquid toward a workpiece and a drive substrate configured to generate a drive signal for driving the head; and a robot including a distal-end arm supporting the head unit and a distal-end joint located at the distal-end arm and enabling the head unit to rotate around a distal-end rotation axis, the robot being configured to change a position and an orientation of the head relative to the workpiece, and the distal-end rotation axis is located between the head and the drive substrate as viewed in an ejection direction in which the head ejects liquid.