Multi-Nozzle 3D Printer Valve Purge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-nozzle three-dimensional shaping apparatuses face issues with shaping material denaturation during nozzle switching, leading to deterioration in the quality of the shaped object due to residual material in the nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional shaping apparatus with a valve mechanism that switches between two nozzle diameters, performing material purge processing by supplying new material to the branch channels before resuming ejection from the nozzles, ensuring that residual material is discharged to a waste region, thereby preventing denaturation and maintaining shaping quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-nozzle switching is implemented to improve shaping speed and accuracy, then both shaping accuracy and speed are improved, but the shaping material remaining in the nozzle denatures and affects shaping quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs material purge processing before switching between nozzles to discharge residual shaping material. The control section controls the valve mechanism to switch to a purge state, supplying shaping material to discharge residual material from the branch channel and nozzle before switching to the shaping state, preventing denaturation and maintaining shaping quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve mechanism as an intermediary component that controls the supply channel and branch channels. The valve mechanism switches between a shaping state (supplying material to the active nozzle) and a purge state (supplying material to discharge residual material), enabling controlled material flow to prevent denaturation during nozzle switching
2Manufacturing precision
If a small-diameter nozzle is used to improve shaping accuracy, then shaping accuracy is improved, but shaping speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shaping process into multiple segments by using multiple nozzles with different diameters. The first nozzle (smaller diameter) is used for high-precision shaping requiring accuracy, while the second nozzle (larger diameter) is used for faster shaping where speed is prioritized. The valve mechanism enables switching between these segmented nozzles based on shaping requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the nozzle configuration dynamic by enabling switching between different nozzles during the shaping process. The valve mechanism allows the system to adaptively select the appropriate nozzle (first or second) based on the specific shaping requirements, transforming a static single-nozzle system into a dynamic multi-nozzle system
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 solution effectively suppresses the deterioration of the three-dimensional shaped object by ensuring that residual shaping material is cleared before resuming ejection, maintaining the quality and preventing clogging of the nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
a melting section configured to melt a material into a shaping material
Implementation Method 2
a valve mechanism provided in the coupling section... the control section controls the valve mechanism to thereby switch a first state in which the supply channel and the first branch channel communicate and the supply channel and the second branch channel are cut off and a second state in which the supply channel and the second branch channel communicate and the supply channel and the first branch channel are cut off
Implementation Method 3
a three-dimensional shaping apparatus that extrudes a melted thermoplastic material from an extrusion nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shaping apparatus includes a supply channel through which a shaping material supplied from a melting section flows, a first branch channel and a second branch channel, a coupling section configured to couple the supply channel and the first branch channel and the second branch channel, a first nozzle communicating with the first branch channel, a second nozzle communicating with the second branch channel and having a nozzle diameter larger than a nozzle diameter of the first nozzle, a valve mechanism provided in the coupling section, and a control section. When switching a state in which the supply channel and the first branch channel communicate and the supply channel and the second branch channel are cut off to a state in which the supply channel and the second branch channel communicate and the supply channel and the first branch channel are cut off, prior to ejection of the shaping material from the second nozzle to a shaping region, the control section discharges the shaping material remaining in the second branch channel from the second nozzle to a region different from the shaping region.