Spiral Separation Mechanism for 3D Photocurable Resin Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional printing using the DLP method faces challenges in efficiently separating cured photocurable resin from the inner surface of the accommodating unit without damaging the resin's shape, as it often adheres during the curing process.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional printing apparatus that includes a moving unit to move the cured photocurable resin away from the light source and a separation guiding unit that moves the accommodating unit in a spiral direction, applying simultaneous shear stress and normal force to separate the resin from the inner surface, while maintaining the shape integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the photocurable resin is cured by light in the accommodating unit, then the molding speed and productivity are improved, but the cured resin adheres to the inner surface of the accommodating unit making separation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a spiral curvature path for moving the accommodating unit during separation. Instead of linear movement, the unit follows a spiral trajectory that creates progressive detachment force, reducing adhesion damage and enabling clean separation of cured resin from the accommodating unit inner surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic movement of the accommodating unit in a spiral direction during the separation process. This dynamic approach transforms the static separation problem into a dynamic process where continuous motion along a spiral path prevents the cured resin from adhering firmly to the unit surface.
2Ease of operation
If the cured resin is separated from the inner surface of the accommodating unit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the shape of the cured resin may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral curvature path distributes separation force progressively along the contact interface between the cured resin and accommodating unit. This curved motion pattern prevents sudden detachment that could damage the resin shape, ensuring clean separation while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary separation action by moving the accommodating unit in a spiral direction before complete detachment occurs. This preliminary curved motion reduces the adhesion bond strength gradually, preparing the interface for clean separation without applying excessive force that could damage the resin shape.
3Productivity
If a separation mechanism is added to move the accommodating unit in spiral direction, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation guiding unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it guides the spiral movement of the accommodating unit, provides the necessary mechanical force for separation, and maintains alignment during the process. This multi-functional design achieves efficient separation without requiring multiple separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device 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
Effectively separates cured photocurable resin from the inner surface of the accommodating unit without deforming it, allowing for precise and efficient curing and repeated use of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an accommodating unit which is configured to receive light emitted from a light source and to provide space for photocurable resin accommodated inside the accommodating unit to be cured by the light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a three-dimension printing apparatus using photocurable resin, the three-dimension printing apparatus capable of easily separating the cured photocurable resin from a bottom surface of an accommodating unit where the photocurable resin is accommodated by moving the accommodating unit in a spiral direction, and including the accommodating unit configured to receive light being emitted from a light source, and to provide space for the photocurable resin accommodated therein to be cured by the light; a moving unit configured to move cured photocurable resin in a direction distancing away from the light source, so that the photocurable resin accommodated in the accommodating unit is cured sequentially by the light; and a separation guiding unit mounted onto the accommodating unit, and configured to move at the same time as the accommodating unit along a spiral direction so that the cured photocurable resin is separated from an inner surface of the accommodating unit.