3D Printer With Integrated Scanner And Pen Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printers using FDM are not suitable for printing color combinations that form photographs, as they are more effective for printing color blocks rather than intricate images.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printer equipped with a manual flat scanner that allows for the scanning and printing of images on the surface of 3D models by integrating a scanning module with a control module, nozzle assembly, and pen assembly, enabling precise and cost-efficient painting of pictures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual flat scanner is integrated into the 3D printer, then the ability to print pictures and complex image compositions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flat scanner, control module, nozzle assembly, and pen assembly into a single integrated 3D printer system. The scanner is positioned on the printing plane to scan pictures, and the control module processes the scanned images to control both the nozzle assembly for 3D printing and the pen assembly for painting, merging multiple functions into one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: it receives and processes 3D data for the nozzle assembly, scans images via the flat scanner, and controls the pen assembly to paint on the model based on the scanned images. This multi-functional design allows the single device to perform scanning, 3D printing, and painting operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flat scanner is disposed on the printing plane, then the scanning and printing of images is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flat scanner is disposed on the printing plane, merging the scanning function directly into the printing structure. This integration allows the scanner to be positioned conveniently for scanning pictures that will be printed on the model, while sharing the same structural platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner is specifically positioned on the printing plane area, optimizing its location for the intended function of scanning pictures to be printed on the model. This localized placement ensures the scanner is in the optimal position for image capture without requiring separate scanning equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pen assembly paints on the model during the printing process, then the precision of picture printing is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pen assembly paints on the model during the printing process, maintaining continuous operation without interrupting the 3D printing. The control module coordinates both the nozzle assembly and pen assembly to work simultaneously or in sequence, ensuring the painting process is integrated into the overall manufacturing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module receives scan images from the flat scanner and uses this information to control the pen assembly's painting positions and movements. This feedback mechanism ensures precise painting according to the scanned picture, improving the accuracy of picture reproduction on the model surface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A 3D printer including a device body (100) and a scanning module (200) is provided. A printing plane (101) is defined on the device body (100). The scanning module (200) is arranged on the device body (100), the scanning module (200) is electrically connected with a control module (300), and the control module (300) is electrically connected with a nozzle assembly (310) and a pen assembly (320). A 3D data is loaded in the control module (300) and a predetermined painting position is defined in the 3D data. The control module (300) receives a scan image from the scanning module (200); the control module (300) controls the nozzle assembly (310) to print a model (20) according to the 3D data and meanwhile controls the pen assembly (320) to paint on the model (20) according to the predetermined painting position and the scan image.