Rotatable 3D Printing Material Container With Helix Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face inefficiencies in material conveyance and storage, particularly in three-dimensional printing where unfused build material accumulation occurs, and in two-dimensional printing where toner needs to be efficiently managed for image formation and cleanup.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable container with dual rotation directions for efficient conveyance and refilling of printing materials, featuring a channel structure and valve system that allows controlled dispensing and refilling, enabling the container to supply or fill materials based on rotational speed, and incorporating a material-conveying member like a helix screw for efficient powder handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional container with a fixed opening is used for storing printing material, then the container structure is simple, but the material conveyance efficiency is low and material quality deteriorates due to accumulation and compaction
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates a rotatable chamber that can rotate in first and second directions, transforming the static container structure into a dynamic system. This rotation enables the material-conveying member (helix screw) to efficiently convey printing material to and from the opening, improving conveyance efficiency without requiring multiple separate containers or complex external conveyance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the storage chamber, material-conveying member (helix screw), and dispensing mechanism into a single integrated rotatable container assembly. This merging of functions into one device achieves efficient material conveyance and dispensing while maintaining relative structural simplicity compared to using separate storage and conveyance systems.
2Productivity
If the container opening remains open for material supply, then material conveyance is efficient, but material quality deteriorates due to exposure and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable chamber dynamically opens and closes the material supply path. During material conveyance, the chamber rotates to position the opening for efficient material supply. When not in use or during storage, the chamber can be rotated to close the opening, protecting material quality. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between open access for efficiency and closed protection for quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single rotation direction is used for material conveyance, then the conveyance mechanism is simple, but the container cannot perform both supply and refilling functions
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is designed to rotate in two opposite directions, with the helix screw orientation determining the direction of material conveyance based on rotation direction. This enables the same mechanism to perform both material supply (first direction) and refilling (second direction) functions, achieving versatility without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
4Ease of operation
If the container is designed for easy handling and storage, then the container portability is improved, but the material conveyance precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed as a self-contained modular unit with integrated conveyance mechanisms, allowing it to be easily handled and stored as a single component while maintaining precise material conveyance through its internal helix screw and rotatable chamber design. The segmentation of functions into this independent module preserves precision without requiring complex external conveyance systems.
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 enhances material management by allowing controlled and efficient supply and removal of printing materials, maintaining material quality through re-aeration and remixing, and facilitating easy handling and storage, thus improving the operational efficiency of printing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a material-conveying member (e.g., a helix screw) arranged to rotate with the container about the shared axis
Implementation Method 2
Rotating the container in a first direction conveys printing material through the channel structure. Rotating the container in a second direction, opposed to the first direction, conveys printing material through the channel structure in an opposite direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
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AI summary
Examples of the present disclosure relate to a container. The container has a chamber for storing build material for a three-dimensional printing system. The container comprises an opening co-axial with the chamber for coupling to the three-dimensional printing system. The container is configured such that rotation of the chamber in a first direction conveys build material in the chamber to the three-dimensional printing system and rotation of the chamber in a second direction conveys the build material away from the three-dimensional printing system.