Radial Conveyor Flow Adjusting Device for 3D Printer Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat transfer from 3D printer heads to granules leads to adhesion and irregular material flow, resulting in inconsistent layer formation and thickness issues during the printing process, especially with plastic granules.
Innovation Solution
A granule/liquid flow adjusting device with a radial conveyor actuated by a drive mechanism, featuring a resilient element to regulate pressure and maintain consistent material flow, combined with a heating plate and cooling system to prevent adhesion and ensure smooth material dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat transfer occurs from the printer head to the granules, then the granules are heated for melting, but adhesion of the granules occurs in the feed channel and feed screw resulting in irregular material flow
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling element is introduced as an intermediary component between the heating element and the granules. This cooling element acts as a thermal mediator that prevents excessive heat transfer to the granules in the feed channel, thereby preventing adhesion while still allowing sufficient heating for melting where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal conditions to different locations: the heating element provides localized heating at the melting zone, while the cooling element provides localized cooling at the feed channel walls. This spatial differentiation of thermal properties prevents adhesion in the feed channel while enabling melting at the processing zone
2Productivity
If the pressure between the heating plate and the radial conveyor is increased to improve material discharge, then material flow increases, but adhesion and irregularities worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The radial conveyor is designed with dynamic pressure adjustment capability through the resilient element. The pressure between the heating plate and radial conveyor is not fixed but dynamically adjusts based on material flow conditions, allowing optimal pressure to be applied for discharge while preventing excessive pressure that would cause adhesion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter dynamically using a resilient element that adjusts the contact pressure between the radial conveyor and the heating plate. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal discharge rate while preventing adhesion by reducing pressure when material flow becomes irregular
3Reliability
If a resilient element is used to regulate pressure and prevent adhesion, then material flow consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element is designed to automatically adjust and regulate pressure without external control systems. It self-regulates the contact pressure between the radial conveyor and heating plate based on material flow conditions, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms while maintaining flow consistency
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 ensures a consistent and controlled material flow, preventing adhesion and irregularities, thereby achieving uniform layer thickness and improving the overall printing process by regulating pressure and maintaining material fluidity.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element is interposed between the radial conveyor and the drive in order to have a force act on the radial conveyor. This resilient element can be a spring, for example.
Implementation Method 2
a heating plate on the lower side with an opening from which the molten or liquid material can emerge
Implementation Method 3
a radial conveyor is disposed so as to be substantially centered on the opening and resting against the plate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a granule/liquid flow adjusting device for 3-D printer heads supplied with granules and/or liquids, said device being arranged in a 3-D printer head which is fed via a channel. The printer head comprises a chamber, and the chamber has a surface, said surface having at least one outlet bore. According to the invention, at least one conveyor is arranged within the chamber, said conveyor supplying the material, preferably plastic, to the at least one outlet bore. The conveyor is urged in the direction of the surface by force, and the distance between the conveyor and the surface is adjusted by the pressure of the material.