3D Printer Resin Tank and Mask Assembly for Leak-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D printing systems face challenges with resin leakage from the tank bottom and the cumbersome installation of liquid crystal display (LCD) masks requiring cables or ribbons.
Innovation Solution
A radiation-transparent flexible membrane forms the tank bottom, a spill tray contains leaked resin, and a cable-free mask assembly connection mechanism using male and female electrical connectors is implemented.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a radiation-transparent flexible membrane is used for the tank bottom, then radiation transmission to the resin is improved, but resin leakage from the tank bottom occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A spill tray is introduced as an intermediary component between the tank and the build platform. The spill tray contains a sump that collects any resin that leaks through the flexible membrane, preventing contamination of the printer while allowing the membrane to remain flexible and radiation-transparent. This mediator resolves the contradiction by accepting the inevitable leakage and containing it harmlessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic function of containing resin is extracted from the flexible membrane itself and transferred to the spill tray. The membrane is freed from the requirement of being completely leak-proof, allowing it to focus on its primary function of blocking radiation while the spill tray handles the leakage containment.
2Reliability
If an LCD mask with cables or ribbons is installed, then the mask can be connected to the light source, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection and mechanical mounting functions are merged into a single integrated action. The mask assembly includes electrical connectors that automatically mate with corresponding connectors on the light source when the mask is installed, eliminating the need for separate cable connection steps and reducing installation time while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask assembly is designed to perform its own electrical connection during installation. The connectors are positioned and oriented such that the act of installing the mask automatically establishes the electrical connection without requiring manual intervention to connect cables or ribbons separately.
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
Prevents resin leakage into the printer and simplifies mask assembly installation, maintaining system cleanliness and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a tank in which a bottom of the tank is formed by a radiation-transparent flexible membrane, and a light source configured to project radiation towards the bottom of the tank
Implementation Method 2
An elevation of a bottom surface of the spill tray may be lower than an elevation of the radiation-transparent flexible membrane so that resin that leaks from the tank flows downwards into the spill tray
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D printing system may include a tank in which a bottom of the tank is formed by a radiation-transparent flexible membrane, a spill tray with an outer wall configured to contain liquid resin that inadvertently leaks out from the bottom of the tank, and a light source configured to project radiation towards the bottom of the tank. The spill tray may contain an inner opening that allows the radiation from the light source to pass through the spill tray to the tank. A 3D printing system may also include a mask assembly which comprises a mask with pixels configurable to be individually transparent or opaque to portions of the radiation projected from the light source and a mask assembly receiving member configured to receive the mask assembly. The mask assembly may also include a rigid guide portion that is insertable into a slot of the mask assembly receiving member.