3D Shaping Device Nozzle Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional shaping devices face issues with unintentional discharge of material from the nozzle during long nozzle movement, leading to reduced dimensional accuracy of the shaped object due to material adherence.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional shaping device with a melting unit, nozzle, and discharge amount adjustment mechanism, where the melting unit includes a rotating screw with a groove forming surface, a heating unit, and a barrel with a communication hole, allowing for precise control of the shaping material flow rate and supply to the nozzle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the nozzle is moved away after material discharge, then the shaping process can be completed, but the material may be unintentionally discharged from the nozzle and adhere to the three-dimensional shaped object, reducing dimensional accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoidmaterial discharge control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suction unit operates in advance before the nozzle is moved away to create negative pressure in the nozzle interior. This preliminary suction action prevents material from being unintentionally discharged during the nozzle movement phase, thereby maintaining dimensional accuracy while allowing the nozzle to be repositioned freely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the suction unit is driven to suction material in the nozzle, then material stretching can be prevented, but the material may be unintentionally discharged when the nozzle is moved away for a long time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoidshaping process efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction unit is activated before the nozzle movement completes to establish negative pressure, preventing material discharge during the subsequent movement phase. This allows the system to maintain precision without continuous suction operation, improving overall productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit monitors the nozzle position and suction unit operation, adjusting the suction timing based on the actual movement state. This feedback mechanism ensures material is held in the nozzle only when necessary, preventing unintentional discharge while minimizing energy consumption and maintaining shaping efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 unintentional discharge of material from the nozzle, maintaining dimensional accuracy by allowing for precise control of the shaping material flow and quick restart of material discharge, enhancing the precision and efficiency of the shaping process.

Implementation Method 1

a heating unit configured to heat the material that is supplied to the groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a screw configured to rotate about a rotation axis and including a groove forming surface in which a groove to which the material is supplied is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3736104B1Three-dimensional shaping device
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3736104B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3736104B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3736104B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided is a three-dimensional shaping device (100) including a melting unit (30) configured to melt a material into a shaping material, and a nozzle (61) configured to discharge the shaping material supplied from the melting unit (30) toward a stage. The melting unit (30) includes a screw (40) configured to rotate about a rotation axis (M) and having a groove forming surface in which a groove (45) to which the material is supplied is formed, a heating unit (58) configured to heat the material supplied to the groove (45), a barrel (50) having a facing surface (52) that faces the groove (45) forming surface (42) and provided with a communication hole (56) that communicates the facing surface (52) with the nozzle (61), and a discharge amount adjustment mechanism (70) provided in the communication hole (56) and configured to adjust a flow rate of the shaping material discharged from the nozzle (61).