Slurry Dispense System with Buffer Chamber for Concrete 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete 3D printing systems face challenges in achieving accurate flow control and high-speed printing due to the heavy, viscous, and abrasive nature of concrete, leading to difficulties in controlling flow rates and nozzle positioning, which limits the creation of complex patterns and bulky objects.
Innovation Solution
A slurry dispense system comprising a slurry supply component, a buffer chamber, and a flow control dispenser, where the buffer chamber absorbs pressure fluctuations and irregular flow rates, allowing a positive displacement pump to provide accurate and controlled flow rates, and the system is designed to be lightweight and transportable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a supply pump system is used to push concrete continuously through a soft pipe to achieve high-speed printing, then printing speed is improved, but flow rate control accuracy deteriorates due to pressure transportation delays in the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the supply pump and the nozzle. The buffer chamber receives concrete from the supply pump and provides it to the nozzle at a controlled rate, decoupling the high-speed supply from the precision dispensing. This mediator absorbs pressure fluctuations and allows accurate flow control at the nozzle while maintaining high-speed supply capability.
2Stress or pressure
If valves are used to shut off nozzles to maintain pressure when not printing, then pressure control is improved, but component reliability deteriorates due to heavy duty valve wear and leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The valve function is extracted from the nozzle assembly and relocated to the buffer chamber. The buffer chamber uses a gentle slope and air cushion mechanism instead of heavy-duty valves to control concrete flow and maintain pressure. This extraction removes the wear-prone valve components from the nozzle, improving reliability while maintaining pressure control capability.
3Loss of time
If the supply pump and nozzle are built together to reduce pressure response time, then flow control response is improved, but device complexity and weight increase due to heavy duty positioning system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent parts: a stationary supply pump system and a mobile nozzle system connected by a flexible soft pipe. The buffer chamber acts as an intermediary that allows the nozzle to be lightweight and mobile while the supply pump can be heavier and stationary. This segmentation reduces the weight and complexity of the moving parts while maintaining effective pressure control through the buffer chamber.
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 system enables high-resolution and high-speed concrete 3D printing with improved accuracy and reduced wear on components, allowing for the creation of complex and large-sized objects while being easy to transport and set up on-site.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer chamber, wherein the buffer chamber absorbs pressure fluctuations and irregular flow rates from the slurry supply
Implementation Method 2
a positive displacement pump to deliver the slurry to the nozzle at a controlled flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A slurry dispense system utilizes a buffer chamber to release the pressure from the supply pump, and buffer the irregular flow rate of the supply pump. It also utilizes a positive displacement pump to control the dispense flow. With the help of the buffer chamber, the positive displacement pump is able to provide a constant flow rate, and can be accurately controlled. A high resolution and a high speed can be achieved at the same time.