Rotating Tool Unit with Offset Control Profile for 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printing tools, particularly in FDM processes, face challenges in managing multiple print heads or tools due to size constraints and slow exchange rates, which hinder the efficient processing of materials with different properties and requirements.
Innovation Solution
A compact tool unit with a control area and offset control bolt system allows for easy displacement and locking of tools, utilizing a guide element with a control groove and drive mechanism for axial movement, enabling quick tool exchange and synchronization of multiple tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a turret-like tool unit with multiple print heads is used, then multiple materials can be processed, but the device size becomes large and tool exchange is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The tool unit is segmented into a tool holder and multiple independent guide elements that can be individually positioned. Each guide element can hold a different tool, allowing multiple materials to be processed while keeping the overall structure compact. The guide elements are arranged radially around a central axis, enabling selective positioning without requiring a large turret-like structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear or planar tool arrangement to a radial three-dimensional configuration. Guide elements are positioned at different radial distances and angular positions around the central axis, allowing multiple tools to be compactly arranged in space. This dimensional reorganization enables quick tool exchange by rotating the tool holder to bring the desired guide element into the working position.
2Reliability
If conventional tool holders are used, then tools can be held securely, but tool exchange is time-consuming and not rapid
Solution Approach 1:
Tools are pre-positioned in guide elements at rest positions before being needed. The tool holder can rotate to bring the required guide element with its pre-positioned tool into the working position, eliminating the need for tool removal and reinstallation. This preliminary positioning enables rapid tool exchange while maintaining secure tool holding throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder is designed to be rotatable, transforming the static tool holding arrangement into a dynamic system. This rotation capability allows quick repositioning of different guide elements into the working position, significantly increasing tool exchange speed while the guide elements themselves maintain secure tool holding through their structural design.
3Device complexity
If multiple print heads are positioned close together, then device size is reduced, but tools may collide with newly applied material layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses radial positioning in three-dimensional space to arrange multiple guide elements at different angular positions around the central axis. This spatial distribution allows tools to be positioned close together overall while maintaining sufficient radial and angular separation to prevent collisions with material layers during the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable tool holder enables dynamic positioning of guide elements, allowing the system to selectively bring only the required tool into the working position while keeping other tools retracted or positioned away from the build area. This dynamic control prevents tool collisions with newly applied material layers.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tool unit at least comprising a toolholder and at least one tool, wherein the toolholder is designed to hold the tool and to move the tool under guidance in an axial direction from a standby position into a working position and back. According to the invention, the toolholder (14, 19) has a control region with a control profile (12), and a control pin (4, 18) is designed to interact with regions (13', 13'') in the control profile (14) offset in the axial direction (5).