Stackable Print Head Module With Gear Pump Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extrusion printing faces challenges in achieving a high density of individually operable nozzles with balanced material output, particularly in applications like medicine pill printing, where consistent material deposition is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A print head module with a gear pump system that allows for a large number of closely spaced nozzles to be actuated by a single actuator axle, enabling simultaneous operation and balanced material distribution across multiple nozzles, and includes features like through holes for torque transfer and diversion valves for consistent material flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large density of nozzles is desired for high-volume printing applications, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for individual actuation of each nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gear pumps are combined on a single actuator axle, allowing one motor to drive multiple nozzles simultaneously. The gear pumps are arranged in parallel on the same rotational axis, sharing a common drive mechanism, which reduces the number of motors and control systems needed while maintaining individual nozzle actuation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator axle serves multiple functions by simultaneously driving multiple gear pumps that control different nozzles. A single rotational actuation mechanism provides universal control across multiple printing channels, enabling high-density nozzle arrays without proportionally increasing actuator count
2Ease of manufacture
If pressure drops over supply lines are not equalized, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inconsistent material output from each nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The supply system is segmented into individual gear pump units, each responsible for a specific nozzle or small group of nozzles. This segmentation isolates pressure variations to local segments rather than affecting the entire system, ensuring consistent material delivery to each nozzle without requiring perfectly equalized supply lines across the whole print head
Solution Approach 2:
Gear pumps serve as intermediary devices between the material supply lines and the nozzles. These pumps actively regulate and equalize pressure at the point of material dispensing, compensating for variations in supply line pressure drops and ensuring uniform material output from each nozzle regardless of supply line configuration
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
Enables the creation of a high-density nozzle print head with balanced output, ensuring consistent material deposition and versatility in printing various materials, including medicinal products, by allowing simultaneous actuation of multiple modules with a single actuator and preventing material stagnation.
Implementation Method 1
The first through hole is profiled for cooperating with the first actuator axle for the transfer of rotational energy from the first actuator axle to said first gear
Data Source
AI summary
An extrusion printer including a print head module is described. The print head module is arranged for cooperating with at least one further print head module in a stackable arrangement to form an extrusion print head. The print head module includes a casing having a first outlet channel defining a first nozzle for printing a first material, and a first inlet for receiving the first material from a first supply line including a first material supply. The casing defines a first pump chamber connected to the first outlet channel and the first inlet. The module further includes a first gear pump having two meshing gears arranged within the first pump chamber. A first meshing gear of the two meshing gears of the first pump is arranged for being actuated by a first actuator axle that extends through the stackable arrangement.