3D Printer Nozzle Flushing via Voltage Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In three-dimensional shaped object manufacturing devices, the use of various powders can lead to powder mixing in the nozzle, causing liquid discharge failures due to incomplete flushing operations, especially when the flushing conditions are similar to shaping conditions.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a control unit that performs a flushing operation with a higher applied voltage and increased liquid discharge rate compared to shaping conditions, and adjusts flushing time and position based on the moving distance and speed of the head, as well as temperature considerations, to effectively remove powder from the nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flushing operation is performed under discharge conditions similar to shaping conditions, then the control is simplified, but the powder mixed in the nozzle cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the discharge conditions variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts discharge conditions based on the operation type (shaping vs. flushing). During flushing operations, the discharge amount is increased compared to shaping conditions, allowing effective powder removal while maintaining simple control logic through automated condition switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the discharge parameters specifically for flushing operations. The control unit modifies at least one discharge condition parameter (such as discharge amount or frequency) when performing flushing compared to shaping operations. This parameter change enables effective powder removal from the nozzle while keeping the control system simple through automated parameter adjustment based on operation type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various kinds of powder are used for manufacturing three-dimensional shaped objects, then the material versatility is improved, but powder may float up and mix in the nozzle causing discharge failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing flushing operations at predetermined timing before shaping operations to prevent powder accumulation. The control unit automatically executes flushing sequences (such as before layer formation or at interval timings) to proactively remove powder from the nozzle, ensuring reliable liquid discharge when shaping various materials without requiring manual intervention.
3Device complexity
If the flushing operation uses the same discharge conditions as shaping, then the device complexity is reduced, but the powder removal efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes discharge parameters specifically for flushing operations to improve powder removal efficiency. The control unit adjusts at least one discharge condition (such as increasing discharge amount or frequency) during flushing compared to shaping operations. This parameter modification enhances powder removal capability while maintaining relatively simple control system architecture through automated parameter switching based on operation type.
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 approach ensures reliable liquid discharge and prevents powder accumulation in the nozzle, enhancing the manufacturing process by maintaining the nozzle's temperature and improving the removal efficiency of powder, thus preventing discharge failures and maintaining manufacturing speed.
Implementation Method 1
a head configured to discharge, from a nozzle, a liquid containing a binder to a shaping region of a three-dimensional shaped object in the powder layer; and a control unit configured to control a movement of the head with respect to the shaping table and a drive of the head by applying a voltage
Implementation Method 2
the control unit performs control to, after the liquid is discharged to the shaping region, execute a flushing operation of discharging the liquid from the nozzle to a flushing position different from the shaping region, and set an applied voltage during the flushing operation higher than an applied voltage when the liquid is discharged to the shaping region
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shaped object manufacturing device includes a shaping table, layer forming portions configured to form a powder layer on the shaping table, a head 3 configured to discharge, from a nozzle, a liquid containing a binder to a shaping region of a three-dimensional shaped object in the powder layer, and a control unit configured to control a movement of the head with respect to the shaping table and a drive of the head by applying a voltage, in which the control unit performs control to, after the liquid is discharged to the shaping region, execute a flushing operation of discharging the liquid from the nozzle to a flushing position different from the shaping region, and set an applied voltage during the flushing operation higher than an applied voltage when the liquid is discharged to the shaping region.