Rotatable Collar Nozzle for Variable Magnetic Alignment in FDM Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fabricating magnetic materials with variable magnetic pole strength are inefficient and time-consuming due to the fixed positioning of strong permanent magnets, making it difficult to achieve materials with dynamic magnetic properties in fused deposition modeling (FDM) processes.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing apparatus and method utilizing a rotatable collar with magnets in the nozzle of an FDM printer, allowing for variable magnetic alignment by controlling the position and rotation of the collar as the melted magnetic particles are dispensed onto a platform, enabling the creation of materials with adjustable magnetic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed positioning of strong permanent magnets is used in FDM process, then magnetic alignment can be achieved, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the magnet positioning system movable rather than fixed. The collar with magnets can rotate and move to different positions around the nozzle, allowing the magnetic field to be dynamically adjusted during printing. This enables the system to achieve variable magnetic alignment without requiring section-by-section printing, thereby improving productivity and reducing fabrication time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable magnetic pole strength is achieved through section by section printing, then magnetic properties can be varied, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The collar with magnets can rotate to different angular positions and move axially, providing dynamic control over magnetic field distribution. This allows variable magnetic pole strength to be achieved throughout the entire printing process rather than requiring section-by-section printing, thereby maintaining adaptability while significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable collar mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions magnets at different angular locations, controls axial positioning, and enables variable magnetic alignment patterns. This multi-functional design allows a single system to achieve various magnetic configurations without requiring multiple separate printing operations, enhancing both versatility and efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed magnet positioning is used, then manufacturing process is simple, but variable magnetic alignment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotatable collar with magnets that can be positioned at different angles and locations. This dynamic positioning mechanism allows the system to achieve variable magnetic alignment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The collar rotation and positioning mechanisms are integrated into the existing FDM printer architecture, minimizing added complexity while maximizing adaptability.
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 the efficient fabrication of 3D objects with variable magnetic alignments, improving the production process by allowing for dynamic magnetic pole strength distribution across the printed material, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of magnetic material creation.
Implementation Method 1
a heater coupled to the reservoir to melt the magnetic particles
Implementation Method 2
the nozzle includes a rotatable collar that comprises at least one magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for fabricating a magnetic material with variable magnetic alignment are disclosed. For example, the apparatus includes a reservoir storing magnetic particles, a heater coupled to the reservoir to melt the magnetic particles, a nozzle coupled to the reservoir to receive the magnetic particles that are melted, wherein the nozzle includes a rotatable collar that includes at least one magnet, a platform below the nozzle to receive the magnetic particles that are melted that are dispensed by the nozzle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the heater, the nozzle, and the platform to control operation of the heater, the nozzle, the rotatable collar of the nozzle, and the platform.