Quick-Change FFF Nozzle Assembly with Biased Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fused filament fabrication (FFF) systems require frequent nozzle replacement due to wear, leading to system downtime and potential deformation of components from manual torque application, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change mechanism with a recessed biased-bearing arrangement in the primary manifold allows for tool-free removal and installation of the filament tube/nozzle assembly, minimizing downtime and reducing torque exposure to components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If manual nozzle replacement is performed, then nozzle replacement is possible, but system downtime increases and component deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is segmented into a removable nozzle component and a filament tube component with integrated quick-release mechanisms. The bearing-based quick-release mechanism allows the nozzle to be rapidly detached from the filament tube without requiring system shutdown or manual wrenching, enabling maintenance while the system remains operational or with minimal disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release mechanism extracts the nozzle assembly from the filament tube through a bearing-based system that allows tool-free removal. The bearing enables the nozzle to be pulled out axially from the filament tube by applying minimal force, eliminating the need for high-torque manual wrenching that causes deformation and system shutdown.
2Ease of operation
If manual torque is applied to nozzle, then nozzle can be removed, but filament tube deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing acts as an intermediary element between the nozzle and filament tube, providing a low-friction interface that enables nozzle removal with minimal axial force. The bearing mediates the force transmission, converting the simple pull motion into effective detachment without requiring the high torques that would otherwise deform the filament tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual wrenching mechanical system is replaced with a bearing-based quick-release mechanism. Instead of using high-torque manual wrenching to overcome threaded friction, the bearing provides a low-friction rotational interface that allows the nozzle to be removed through minimal axial force, substituting a complex high-force mechanical system with a simple low-force bearing mechanism.
3Strength
If threaded connection is used for nozzle, then secure connection is achieved, but replacement requires tools and time
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static threaded fastening to a dynamic bearing-based quick-release mechanism. The bearing allows the nozzle to be rapidly attached and detached through simple axial motion, providing both secure connection during operation and tool-free rapid replacement capability, eliminating the trade-off between connection strength and replacement speed.
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
Enables rapid and tool-free replacement of nozzles with minimal system downtime, allowing for off-line refurbishment and potential automation, reducing the risk of component deformation and improving maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a quick-change mechanism, which in a particular embodiment utilizes a recessed biased-bearing arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for quickly removing and installing a filament tube and nozzle in an FFF extrusion system. The system utilizes a primary manifold that includes a cooling block, a heating block and a quick-change mechanism. This primary manifold is adapted to mate a filament tube/nozzle assembly. The quick-change mechanism, which in a particular embodiment utilizes a recessed biased-bearing arrangement, enables the filament/nozzle assembly to be removed and inserted without the use of any tools, and without causing any significant downtime for the FFF extrusion system. Once removed, the filament tube/nozzle assembly can be refurbished by a technician, trained so as not to over torque the tube/nozzle threaded interface. This refurbishment (typically consisting of a cleaning and the installation of a new nozzle) could be accomplished “off-line”, without any impact on the continued use of FFF extrusion system.