Printer Head Shielding Against UV Residue
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Solution Overview
Problem
In additive manufacturing, the extrusion nozzle is prone to accumulation of cured residues due to direct or reflected UV radiation, leading to inaccuracies and material deposition issues, as the curing radiation affects the nozzle and its opening, causing dislocation or blockage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing various shielding systems, such as adjustable mechanical shutters, non-mechanically adjustable apertures with UV-absorbing fluids, or UV-blocking membranes, to protect the nozzle from curing radiation, ensuring accurate and uninterrupted printing by preventing unwanted curing of residues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UV radiation is used to cure the extruded material layer, then the curing process is efficient and fast, but the nozzle accumulates cured residues that compromise printing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple segments or leaves that can be independently positioned to create an adjustable aperture, allowing selective blocking of UV radiation while maintaining curing efficiency of the extruded material
Solution Approach 2:
A shield component is introduced as an intermediary element between the UV radiation source and the nozzle, which selectively blocks radiation from reaching the nozzle while allowing the extruded material to receive adequate curing radiation
2Productivity
If the nozzle is positioned close to the deposited layer for efficient material deposition, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the nozzle is exposed to curing radiation that causes residue accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
A shield acts as an intermediary element positioned between the UV radiation source and the nozzle, selectively blocking harmful radiation from reaching the nozzle while allowing the extruded material to receive adequate curing radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The shield provides localized protection to specific areas (the nozzle) while allowing other areas (the extruded material layer) to remain exposed to UV radiation for proper curing
3Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical shutter shield is used to block UV radiation from the nozzle, then cured residues are prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield system is designed to be automatically controlled by the existing printer controller based on print job parameters, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shield mechanism integrates with the existing printer head structure and control system, serving multiple functions including UV blocking, aperture adjustment, and coordination with material deposition rates
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
The shielding systems effectively prevent the accumulation of cured residues on the nozzle, maintaining printing accuracy and throughput by controlling the exposure to UV radiation, thus ensuring consistent and precise material deposition.
Implementation Method 1
UV absorbing or blocking fluid
Implementation Method 2
magnetic forces of attraction developed between the frame and a variable size field electromagnet
Implementation Method 3
forces of gravity of earth
Implementation Method 4
transparent material having an adjustable UV radiation blocking or absorbing tint responsive to variable voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Various shielding systems to shield printer heads, extrusion nozzles and extrusion nozzle openings from direct or reflected impingement thereupon of curing radiation so that to prevent undesired inadvertent curing of material residues adhered to the external surface of the printer extrusion nozzle and/or inside the nozzle opening forming cured residues that may compromise the accuracy of the printing process.