Removable Conduit Assembly for 3D Printing Resin Contamination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Three-dimensional printing systems using curable resins face challenges with reliability, maintenance, and contamination, particularly in changing resins without causing cross-contamination.

Innovation Solution

A system with a removable conduit assembly and resin container that allows for quick and easy replacement, featuring a latching mechanism and motorized rotary actuator for secure sealing and efficient resin flow, along with a controller for monitoring and controlling the printing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If resin-carrying components are made permanently fixed to ensure sealed fluid path, then contamination is prevented, but maintenance and resin changing become difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidresin changing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the resin delivery system into separable modules: a removable conduit assembly and a resin container that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation allows the fluid path to be sealed when assembled while enabling easy disassembly for resin changes and maintenance, resolving the contradiction between contamination prevention and ease of resin changing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If quick-release mechanisms are used for easy resin changes, then ease of operation improves, but sealing reliability and contamination prevention deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresin changing speedVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines a quick-release latch mechanism with sealing features in the conduit assembly and resin container interface. The latch provides rapid engagement and disengagement for easy resin changes, while integrated sealing elements ensure the fluid path remains sealed during operation, simultaneously achieving both quick operation and reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple resin types are supported through formulation changes, then adaptability improves, but risk of cross-contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresin type flexibilityVSAvoidcross-contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the resin storage function into a separate, removable resin container that can be easily removed and replaced. This allows different resin types to be used by simply changing containers, while the removable nature ensures complete removal of the previous resin, eliminating cross-contamination risk while maintaining high adaptability to different resin formulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If complex latching mechanisms are used to ensure secure sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidlatching mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses simple, robust latch mechanisms in the conduit assembly that are designed for repeated use, while the resin container itself can be replaced. This approach ensures secure sealing through the latch during operation, but allows the entire container to be disposed of or replaced when needed, avoiding the need for complex, maintenance-intensive latching systems while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 resin changes without contamination, ensuring minimal disruption to the printing system and maintaining system reliability by providing a sealed fluid path and automated handling of resin changes.

Implementation Method 1

A spring force on the latch urges a latch pin against a detent in the door which maintains the door in the closed or latched configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

Three dimensional printing systems that utilize curable resins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS11426937B2Three dimensional printing system adaptable to varying resin types

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 3D SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A three dimensional printing system for manufacturing a three dimensional article includes a print engine, a receptacle, a pump motor system, a removable conduit assembly, and a resin container. The receptacle includes an upper portion with an opening and a lower interface portion. The removable conduit assembly includes: a fluid inlet extending upwardly from the lower interface portion; a pump head removably coupled to the pump motor system; a fluid outlet for supplying resin to the print engine. The resin container includes an internal reservoir and a leading and trailing end relative to a direction of insertion of the resin container into the receptacle. The resin container includes a fluid outlet that extends downwardly from the leading end. Installation of the resin container includes passing the leading end through the opening and lowering and coupling the leading end to the lower interface portion.