Printer Nozzle Maintenance Fluid Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing systems face issues with particulate build material entering and lodging within nozzles during maintenance events, disrupting fluid flow and reducing nozzle lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a maintenance procedure that involves ejecting fluid from the nozzle during maintenance to deter particulate ingress and encourage ejection, using a wiping material to transfer particulate and fluid, and controlling the fluid ejection pattern based on time and position to optimize nozzle cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wiping material is used to clean the nozzle during maintenance, then the nozzle exterior is cleaned, but particulate may enter and lodge within the nozzle disrupting fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by positioning the wiping material and controlling fluid ejection before the actual wiping operation. The controller coordinates the timing so that fluid is ejected from the nozzle just before or during the wiping action, creating a protective fluid barrier that prevents particulate from being pushed into the nozzle during maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid acts as an intermediary substance between the wiping material and the nozzle interior. By ejecting fluid during the wiping operation, the system creates a protective medium that prevents direct contact between the wiping material and potential particulate ingress paths, thereby protecting the nozzle interior while still allowing external cleaning
2Reliability
If maintenance events are performed frequently to clean nozzles, then nozzle cleanliness is improved, but system downtime and loss of productivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle performs self-service by ejecting its own fluid during the maintenance event. This automated fluid ejection reduces the complexity and time required for manual intervention, allowing the maintenance system to service the nozzle more efficiently with minimal system downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is configured to perform maintenance events at optimized intervals based on operational parameters. By using periodic action rather than continuous or overly frequent maintenance, the system maintains nozzle cleanliness while minimizing interruptions to productive operation
3Reliability
If fluid ejection is used to deter particulate ingress, then nozzle protection is improved, but additional fluid consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing fluid ejection system, originally designed for primary printing or manufacturing functions, is utilized for the secondary purpose of particulate deterrence during maintenance. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to gain protective capabilities without adding dedicated new components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 effectively extends the useful life of nozzles by ensuring particulate is removed and fluid flow is maintained, preventing clogging and improving maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the nozzle to dispense fluid during the maintenance event to deter the substance from being present within the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
using a wiping material to transfer particulate and fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Printers and associated printer maintenance methods and apparatus are disclosed. An example printer includes a nozzle to dispense fluid; a wiper to wipe the nozzle during a maintenance event; and a controller to cause the nozzle to dispense fluid during the maintenance event while the wiping material engages or is immediately adjacent the nozzle to deter a substance from being present within the nozzle.