Rotating Nozzle Assembly for 3D Printing Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In three-dimensional shaping apparatuses with multiple nozzles, unused nozzles can interfere with the shaping process, affecting accuracy due to their movement and positioning relative to the shaped article.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional shaping apparatus with a rotator that switches between two states, positioning the first nozzle closer to the table when the second nozzle is retracted and vice versa, using a flow rate regulating mechanism to control the shaping material flow between the nozzles, thereby minimizing interference from unused nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple nozzles are provided in the three-dimensional shaping apparatus, then productivity is improved by enabling simultaneous shaping operations, but manufacturing precision deteriorates because unused nozzles may interfere with the shaped article during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interfering element (unused nozzle) from the working space by retracting it to a position away from the shaped article. The rotator mechanism enables the nozzle assembly to be rotated such that when one nozzle is positioned for shaping, other nozzles are retracted to positions that do not interfere with the shaping process, thus resolving the contradiction between having multiple nozzles for productivity and avoiding interference for precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rotator rotates to switch between nozzles, then adaptability is improved by enabling different nozzles to be used for different shaping regions, but device complexity increases due to the addition of rotation control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rotator mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions different nozzles for shaping operations, retracts unused nozzles to prevent interference, and enables flexible adaptation to different shaping regions. By making the rotator multi-functional, the patent achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the nozzle positioning function and the interference prevention function into a single rotator mechanism. The same rotation action that brings one nozzle into position also automatically retracts other nozzles, merging two functions into one mechanism and thereby achieving adaptability without excessive complexity
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
This solution enhances shaping accuracy and speed by ensuring that unused nozzles are retracted, preventing interference and allowing for precise control of shaping material flow based on the region of the shaped article being formed.
Implementation Method 1
a material melting portion melting a material to form a shaping material
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shaping apparatus includes a material melting portion melting a material to form a shaping material, a supply channel through which the shaping material flows, a rotator that is configured to rotate around a rotation axis and that has a first nozzle configured to communicate with the supply channel and a second nozzle configured to communicate with the supply channel, a flow rate regulating mechanism that is provided in the supply channel and that regulates a flow rate of the shaping material to be supplied to the first nozzle or the second nozzle, and a controller controlling the flow rate regulating mechanism and the rotator so as to eject the shaping material to a table from the first nozzle or the second nozzle, thereby shaping a three-dimensional shaped article, wherein the controller controls rotation of the rotator so as to switch between a first state where the supply channel and the first nozzle communicate with each other and a second state where the supply channel and the second nozzle communicate with each other, and in the first state, the second nozzle is located at a position more distant from the table than the first nozzle, and in the second state, the first nozzle is located at a position more distant from the table than the second nozzle.