3D Printer Printhead Coater Module with Segmented Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D printing technologies face challenges in achieving consistent quality and high throughput due to the need for multiple coaters and complex adjustments across different build spaces, which can lead to reduced coating speed and increased scrap rates.

Innovation Solution

A print head coater module that integrates a printhead, a container with a metering mechanism, and a roller arrangement, allowing the same coater and printhead to serve multiple build spaces sequentially, with a structured first roller for uniform distribution and a smooth second roller for compaction, enhancing coating speed and quality consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple coaters are used to serve multiple build spaces, then the throughput is increased, but the device complexity and adjustment complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidadjustment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coater assembly is designed to serve multiple build spaces sequentially by moving along the rail system. A single coater with a container and roller assembly performs the coating function for all build spaces, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated coaters while maintaining high throughput capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the coater moves between multiple build spaces, then resource utilization is improved, but the coating speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidcoating speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The coater assembly is positioned and prepared at each build space before the coating process begins. The container is pre-filled with particulate building material, and the roller assembly is pre-adjusted to the correct height and orientation, minimizing adjustment time during movement between build spaces and maintaining high coating speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single roller performs both distribution and compaction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroller assembly complexityVSAvoidcoating uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The roller assembly is divided into two separate rollers: a first roller with a structured surface for distributing particulate building material and a second roller with a smooth surface for compacting the material. This segmentation allows each roller to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring uniform coating quality while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3705267B1Print head coater module for a 3D printer, use of the print head coater module and 3D printer using the print head coater module

Publication Date: 2021.04.28 EXONE

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AI summary

A printhead-coater module 10 for a 3D printer is disclosed, comprising a printhead 12, a coater 14 with a container 16 which defines an inner cavity 18 for receiving particle material and which opens into an output opening from which the particle material can be ejected, and a roller arrangement 20 which is arranged between the container 16 and the printhead 12, and a common support structure 22 on which the printhead 12, the container 16 and the roller arrangement 20 are attached, so that the printhead 12, the container 16 and the roller arrangement 20 can be moved together over a build space of the 3D printer.