UV Curing Nozzle Draw-In Signal for 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies face challenges in preventing nozzle clogging due to UV light reflection and scattering from the surface of the printed product, which causes premature curing of model and support materials inside the nozzles, leading to reduced print quality and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A driving device for a liquid droplet discharging head that includes a control unit to supply a draw-in driving signal to non-discharge nozzles during UV light emission, drawing in the liquid material from the nozzle surface and a pause driving signal to further prevent material thickening, thereby reducing the risk of clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is emitted to cure liquid droplets, then the liquid material is cured to form the printed product, but UV light reflects and scatters from the printed product surface causing premature curing of material inside the nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies a draw-in driving signal to the non-discharge nozzles before the harmful UV reflection/scattering can cause premature curing. This preliminary action draws the liquid material back into the nozzle interior, positioning it away from the discharge surface where UV reflection occurs, thereby preventing premature curing while maintaining curing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The draw-in driving signal acts as an intermediary mechanism between the UV light source and the liquid material in non-discharge nozzles. It mediates the harmful effect of UV reflection by actively managing material position, creating a protective effect that prevents direct exposure to reflected UV light.
2Reliability
If liquid material is drawn in from the discharge surface, then premature curing is prevented, but the material flow must be precisely controlled to avoid thickening
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies the draw-in driving signal periodically or in controlled intervals during UV light emission, rather than continuously. This periodic action allows material to be drawn in just enough to prevent clogging while avoiding excessive material accumulation that would cause thickening, thus balancing clogging prevention with thickness control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the driving signal parameters (amplitude, duration, frequency) dynamically based on the operational state. By adjusting these parameters, the system can draw in material sufficiently to prevent clogging while controlling the amount drawn in to avoid thickening, achieving precise material thickness control.
3Reliability
If draw-in driving signal is supplied to non-discharge nozzles, then material is drawn in to prevent clogging, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit leverages its existing multi-functional capabilities to manage both discharge and non-discharge nozzle operations. By using the same control unit for both functions, the system avoids adding separate control mechanisms, thus preventing clogging through draw-in signals without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own control resources to manage the draw-in function for non-discharge nozzles. The control unit autonomously determines when and how to apply draw-in signals based on UV light emission status, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and minimizing added system 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
The solution effectively minimizes nozzle clogging by managing the liquid material flow and preventing premature curing, enhancing print quality and extending the operational lifespan of the nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet ray light source, which irradiates liquid droplets discharged from the liquid droplet discharging head with ultraviolet rays
Implementation Method 2
a draw-in driving signal for drawing the liquid in from a discharge surface of non-discharge nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a driving device of a liquid droplet discharging head including a driving unit that drives a liquid droplet discharging head which includes plural nozzles, which discharge an ultraviolet ray curable liquid, as liquid droplets, the ultraviolet ray curable liquid being cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and a control unit that controls the driving unit so that, among the plural nozzles, a draw-in driving signal for drawing the liquid in from a discharge surface of non-discharge nozzles of the liquid droplets is supplied to the non-discharge nozzles while ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet ray light source, which irradiates liquid droplets discharged from the liquid droplet discharging head with ultraviolet rays, are being emitted.