DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] Present disclosure generally relates to a field of construction and civil engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional printing system employed in construction of structures. Further, embodiments of the disclosure discloses an extruder assembly for the three-dimensional printing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[002] Generally, buildings are constructed using brickwork and mortar which involves sequential laying of bricks in courses and numerous patterns. The bricks are further plastered together by mortar in order to create a durable structure. Buildings are also constructed by pouring concrete into metal forms, which hold the concrete in place. Reinforcements using steel rods of various thicknesses are further placed inside metal/plastic/wooden to reinforce the concrete. The concrete may be poured into the metal/plastic/wooden forms by suitable means and is allowed to cure for a predetermined amount of time. Such conventional methods of construction of buildings using bricks or by pouring concrete into metal forms is an expensive and time-consuming process. Also, these conventional processes require more manpower and hence pose the challenge in case of shortage of manpower.

[003] Over the last few years, three-dimensional printing or additive manufacturing has emerged as a solution to various manufacturing processes including construction and civil engineering.

[004] Three-dimensional printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file or 3D rendered model. The creation of a three-dimensional printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process, an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Three-dimensional printing enables a user to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.

[005] With increase in demand for additive manufacturing which has been implemented and recognized as a part of modern industry, three-dimensional printing is one of the most important technological advancement in as it has many advantages over conventional approach of which, one of the most important factors is time.

[006] In the recent years, three-dimensional printing has been widely used in the field of construction for the construction of buildings. A three-dimensional printed building is a structure that is constructed by depositing material, layer-by-layer. One of the primary tools that is used for the three-dimensional printing of buildings is a three-dimensional printer which comprises of a robotic arm and a nozzle. The nozzle of the printer extrudes specially formulated cement at a predetermined pressure by means of a pump. Three-dimensional printing technologies enable the buildings to be constructed in a reduced amount of time, with less material and negligible wastage. As a result, the construction of buildings has become much cheaper and faster than conventional processes.

[007] Components of conventional three-dimensional printing system used for construction of buildings may include an extruder assembly, print material (e.g. concrete), actuators for actuation of various components, print bed, etc. An extruder assembly is one of the most important components of the three-dimensional printing system. It is responsible for depositing the correct amount of print material, which is extruded down to print the desired three-dimensional structure. The extruder assembly dispenses material in the semi-liquid form to deposit it in successive layers within the three-dimensional printing volume.

[008] Conventional extruder assemblies used in three-dimensional printing systems may include some basic components like nozzle, crafter/trowel, input shaft, and output shaft, motors for driving various components, software-controlled components, and various actuation mechanisms for nozzle, crafter, etc. Such conventional extruder assemblies are limited for serving the general three-dimensional printing of structures in the field of mechanical engineering or otherwise. Also, the conventional extruders are static in configuration. When such extruder assemblies are employed for construction of buildings, they pose several challenges including, difficulties in printing curved walls due to a static or non-moving extruder head, lack of constant and accurate monitoring of operation-time (print material flow rate), lack of control of on-process material flow, etc.

[009] In the conventional extruder assemblies, there may be also challenge of material wastage and material compaction which may not be desirable operationally and economically. Further. in the conventional extruder assemblies, there may be a spillage or dropping of the material, which may result into structural abnormality of printed structures.

[0010] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the conventional arts.

[0011] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0013] One or more shortcomings of conventional extruder assemblies employed in the three-dimensional printing system are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the extruder assembly for the three-dimensional printing system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered as a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0014] In a non-limiting embodiment, an extruder assembly for a three-dimensional printing system is disclosed. The extruder assembly includes an inlet conduit connectable to a hose of the three-dimensional printing system, for receiving a print material. Further, the extruder assembly includes a bearing arrangement, wherein one of an inner racing and an outer racing of the bearing arrangement is rigidly coupled to an end of the inlet conduit. Furthermore, the extruder assembly includes an outlet conduit movably coupled to another the inner racing and the outer racing of the bearing arrangement, wherein the outlet conduit is configured to rotate relative to the inlet conduit, and dispense the print material received through the inlet conduit.

[0015] In an embodiment, the extruder assembly includes a platform movably supported at a free end of the outlet conduit. The platform is coupled to a first actuator, and the first actuator is configured to displace the platform between a first position and a second position relative to the free end of the outlet conduit. Further, the platform is defined with a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of stoppers to selectively allow and block flow of print material from the outlet conduit.

[0016] In an embodiment, one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles or one stoppers of the plurality of stoppers is selectively aligned with the free end of the outlet conduit, during displacement of the bracket between the first position and the second position.

[0017] In an embodiment, the extruder assembly includes a flange coupled to a portion of the outlet conduit, wherein the flange is configured to support a bracket accommodating the first actuator.

[0018] In an embodiment, the outlet conduit is coupled to a second actuator, wherein the second actuator is configured to rotate the outlet conduit relative to the inlet conduit.

[0019] In an embodiment, the first actuator is a linear actuator and the second actuator a rotary actuator.

[0020] In an embodiment, the extruder assembly includes one or more sensors positioned on the inlet conduit to determine pressure and flow rate of print material entering the extruder assembly.

[0021] In an embodiment, the extruder assembly includes a plurality of crafting brackets positioned adjacent to the outlet conduit. Each of the plurality of crafting brackets are coupled to a third actuator and configured to displace between a working position and a rest position for selectively pressing a printed structure.

[0022] In an embodiment, the third actuator is a servo motor.

[0023] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0024] Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an extruder assembly for a three-dimensional printing system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the extruder assembly of Figure. 1.
[0026] Figure. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the extruder assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the extruder assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the extruder assembly of Figure. 1, with the platform displaced to align a different nozzle with a free end of an outlet conduit.

[0029] Figure. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the extruder assembly of Figure. 1, with the platform displaced to align a stopper, with a free end of an outlet conduit.

[0030] The figures depicts embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0032] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of an extruder assembly for a three-dimensional printing system. Therefore, such modifications are part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein.

[0033] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly or unit that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, method, or assembly, or device or unit. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly or unit proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

[0034] Printing using extruder assemblies and crafter assemlies with the help of three-dimensional printing systems are known in the art. However, coventional extruder assemblies used in three-dimensional printing systems are limited to serve the general three-dimensional printing of structures in the field of mechanical engineering, civil engineering or otherwise. Currently available three-dimensional printing system in the market, features the extruder assemblies that have a static geometric construct (square or circular shaped extruder head). Additionally, these extruders lack any active mechanism for monitoring of flow of print material that typically aids in printing efficacy. Particularly, in the context of concrete 3D printing systems, the ubiquitous extruder assemblies have limitations such as, a static or non-moving extruder head, lack of operation-time, monitoring of print material flow rate, lack of control of on-process material flow, etc. Lack of control of on-process material flow generally occurs due to complete handling of material flow rate from the pumping mechanism. The long lengths of pipes between the pumping mechanism and the extrusion set-up may causes a delay between the material pumping at the pump sub-system and its delivery at the extruder sub-system of the three-dimensional printing System.

[0035] Conventional extruder assemblies also lack any active mechanism for prevention of material wastage and material compaction in connecting pathways of the system. Further, there is no system for aiding precise deposition of material on work-bed without spillage or drooping at either of the printed ends. This results into structural abnormality of printed structures.

[0036] The present disclosure is directed to solve the problems asscoiated with the conventional extruders.

[0037] Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses an extruder assembly for a three-dimensional printing system. The extruder assembly may include an inlet conduit. The inlet conduit may be connectable to a hose of the three-dimensional printing system, for receiving a print material, typically concrete or mixture of concrete and binders. Further, the extruder assembly may include a bearing arrangement, which may be rigidly coupled to an end of the inlet conduit. The extruder assembly may further include an outlet conduit, extending from the inlet conduit. The outlet conduit may be movably coupled to the bearing arrangement. The outlet conduit may be coupled to a second actuator, which may be configured to rotate the outlet conduit relative to the input conduit and dispense the print material received through the inlet conduit, onto a printing site. Additionally, the extruder assembly includes a platform, movably supported at a free end of the outlet conduit. The platform may be configured to rotate corresponding to the rotation of the outlet conduit. Further, the platform may be coupled to a first actuator, which may be configured to displace the platform between a first position and a second position relative to the free end of the outlet conduit. Furthermore, the platform may be defined with a plurality of nozzles of different configurations and a plurality of stoppers. A nozzle of the plurality of nozzles or a stopper of the plurality stoppers may be selectively aligned with the free end of the outlet conduit, during displacement of the platform between the first position and the second position to selectively allow and block flow of the print material from the outlet conduit.

[0038] The extruder assembly may additionally include a plurality of crafting brackets, which may be positioned adjacent to the outlet conduit. Each of the plurality of crafting brackets may be coupled to a third actuator, which may be configured to displace each of the plurality of crafting brackets between a working position and a rest position for selectively pressing a printed structure for maintaining shape and finish of the freshly printed structure. In an embodiment, the configuration of the extruder assembly aids in aligning the respective nozzle to dispense the print material based on desired pressure and flow rate, and aids in printing the structures of different sizes and thickness. Further, the configuration [i.e. rotation of the platform (thus, nozzle)] also aids in compensating the twist in the corners of printed structure, unlike conventional extruders which are rigid in nature.

[0039] In the following detailed description, embodiments of the disclosure are explained with reference to accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration and specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0040] Figures. 1 and 2 illustrates a perspective view and a bottom perspective view of an extruder assembly (100), respectively. In an embodiment, the extruder assembly (100) may be adapted in a three-dimensional printing system [not shown in figures] for dispensing a print material onto a printing site to carry out printing operation. As seen in Figure. 1, the extruder assembly (100) may include an inlet conduit (101). The inlet conduit (101) may be configured to be connectable with a hose [not shown in Figures] of the three-dimensional printing system, such that the inlet conduit (101) may receive the print material. In an embodiment, the inlet conduit (101) may be defined with a threaded portion for connecting to an outlet portion of the hose. The threaded portion provided in the inlet conduit (101) aids in providing a tight fit connection with the hose of the three-dimensional printing system. Further, the extruder assembly (100) may include a bearing arrangement (102), which may be rigidly coupled to an end of the inlet conduit (101). In an embodiment, the bearing arrangement (102) may include a bearing casing (103) and a bearing [not shown in figures], enclosed within the bearing casing (103). The bearing may include an inner racing and an outer racing [not shown in Figures]. In an embodiment, the end of the inlet conduit (101) may be rigidly coupled to one of the inner racing and the outer racing of the bearing.

[0041] Further referring to Figures. 1 and 2, the extruder assembly (100) may include an outlet conduit (104), which may extend away from the inlet conduit (101), such that the outlet conduit (104) may be configured to receive the print material from the inlet conduit (101). In an embodiment, the outlet conduit (104) may be movably coupled to another of the inner racing and the outer racing of the bearing. As an example, if the end of the inlet conduit (101) is rigidly coupled to the outer racing, the outlet conduit (104) may be movably coupled to the inner racing and vice-versa, such that the outlet conduit (104) is configured to rotate relative to the inlet conduit (101) and dispense the print material received through the inlet conduit (101). In an embodiment, the inlet conduit (101) and the outlet conduit (104) are located on a same axial line and in-line to each other to allow free movement of the print material. In an illustrated embodiment, the extruder assembly (100) may include a flange (112), which may be coupled to a portion of the outlet conduit (104) and may be configured to support components of the extruder assembly (100). However, the flange (112) coupled to the portion of the outlet conduit (104) may not be construed as a limitation, since a sheet of different geometrical configuration such as rectangular, square and the like, may be coupled to the portion of the outlet conduit (104). As apparent from Figures. 1 and 2, the extruder assembly (100) may include a platform (105), which may be movably supported at a free end of the outlet conduit (104). In an embodiment, the platform (105) may be supported by a plurality of support structures (111a), and extending away from the outlet conduit (104). Further, the platform (105) may be coupled to a first actuator (106), which may be supported by a supporting bracket (111) connected to the flange (112). The first actuator (106) may be configured to displace the platform (105) between a first position and a second position relative to the free end of the outlet conduit (104). In an embodiment, the platform (105) may be defined with a plurality of nozzles (107) of different configuration and a plurality of stoppers (108). During displacement of the platform (105) between the first position and the second position, one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles (107) and one stopper of the plurality of stoppers (108) may be selectively aligned with the free end of the outlet conduit (104) to allow flow or to block flow of the print material from the outlet conduit (104).

[0042] Referring again to Figures. 1 and 2, the outlet conduit (104) may be coupled to a second actuator [not shown in Figures], which may be configured to rotate the outlet conduit (104) relative to the inlet conduit (101). In an embodiment, a sheave member may be coupled to an outer surface of the outlet conduit (104). The sheave member may be configured to receive a belt, which may be operated by the second actuator. During actuation of the second actuator, the belt may run over the sheave member, thus rotating the outlet conduit (104) relative to the inlet conduit (101). This rotation of the outlet conduit (104) may also rotate the platform (105) (thus, the plurality of nozzles (107) defined in the platform (105)). In an embodiment, the second actuator may be actuated manually to rotate the outlet conduit (104) (thus, the platform (105) defined with the plurality of nozzles (107)). In another embodiment, rotation of the outlet conduit (104) may be controlled by instructions stored in a control unit controlling the three-dimensional printer, based on an input geometry model. The steps of rotation are generated during the conversion of tool path into G-code. In other words, the rotation action of nozzle is converted into several discrete elements by means of a control unit, and then executed within a short period of time.

[0043] In an embodiment, the extruder assembly (100) is configured such that an upper portion i.e. inlet conduit (101) acts as a static section and a lower portion i.e. outlet conduit (104) along with the platform (105) acts as a rotary section. In other words, the bearing arrangement (102) isolates the lower rotatory section of the extruder assembly (100) from the upper static section.

[0044] Now referring to Figure. 3, the extruder assembly (100) may include plurality of crafting brackets (110) positioned adjacent to the outlet conduit (104). The plurality of crafting brackets (110) may be connected to the flange (112) and may extend downwardly away from the flange (112). In an embodiment, each of the plurality of crafting brackets (110) may be coupled to a third actuator (113), which may be configured to displace each of the plurality of crafting brackets (110) between a working position and a rest position. The working position of each of the plurality of crafting brackets (110) may correspond to a position in which the crafting brackets (110) pressing of the printed structure and the rest condition my correspond to lifting or moving each of the plurality of crafting brackets (110) away from the printed structure. In an embodiment, the plurality of crafting brackets (110) may include a blade, which may be configured to scrap a thin layer of printed structure to obtain smooth surface finishing of the printed structure.

[0045] In an embodiment, the first actuator (106) may be a linear actuator such as but not limiting to at least one of a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator and an electric actuator. The second actuator may be a rotary actuator such as but not limiting to a motor and the third actuator (113) may be a servo motor.

[0046] Turning now to Figure. 4, in an embodiment, the extruder assembly (100) may include one or more sensors (109) positioned on the inlet conduit (101). The one or more sensors (109) may be a pressure sensor and a flow rate sensor, which may be configured to constantly measure pressure and flow rate of the print material into the extruder assembly (100). Based on the type of structure to be printed, the pressure and flow rate of the print material may be dynamically altered, based on signal from the one or more sensors (109).

[0047] The functionality of the extruder assembly (100) shall now be discussed in detail in the following section.

[0048] During pre-printing preparation, the platform (105) may be in a position between the first position and the second position, such that, one stopper of the plurality of stoppers (108) may be aligned with the free end of the outlet conduit (104) [as seen in Figure. 5], to block flow of print material from the outlet conduit (104) (thus, the extruder assembly (100)). Further, in order to check pressure and flow rate of the print material flowing into the extruder assembly (100), the platform (105) may be displaced to a position between the first position and the second position, such that one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles (107) may be aligned with the free end of the outlet conduit (104) [best seen in Figure. 2], to allow flow of print material through the extruder assembly (100).

[0049] Once the printing cycle commences, the platform (105) may be displaced such that, one of the nozzles of the plurality of nozzles (107) may be aligned with the free end of the outlet conduit (104), to allow flow of print material on to the print site to perform printing operation. In an embodiment, based on requirement i.e. thickness and width of the structure to be printed, desired nozzle of the plurality of nozzles (107) may be aligned with the outlet conduit (104) to perform printing operation. As seen in Figure. 2, the nozzle (107a) is aligned with the free end of the outlet conduit (104) and, likewise as seen in Figure. 6 nozzle (107b) is aligned with the free end of the outlet conduit (104). Further, during printing cycle, the plurality of crafting brackets (110) may be displaced to the working position, to press the freshly printed layer from both sides and thereby maintain the shape of the printed structure. Further, at turnings or curves during printing operation, the outlet conduit (104) (thus, the platform (105) defined with plurality of nozzles (107)) may be rotated to compensate the twist in the corners and the plurality of crafting brackets (110) and may be displaced to the rest position for protecting the printed structure, by avoiding accidental contact of the plurality of crafting brackets (110) and its protruding edges with the freshly printed layer. In an embodiment, rotation of the outlet conduit (104) (say by ‘x’ degrees) may not be typically done in one-go. The rotation of the outlet conduit (104) may be controlled by a control unit based on the input geometry model. The steps of rotation are generated during the conversion of tool path into G-code, in other words, the rotation action of nozzle is converted into several discrete elements by means of a control unit, and then executed within a short period of time. Turning of nozzle (directional movement) may be controlled by a control unit as part of its G-Code Generation. In an embodiment, rotation of the platform (105) (thus, the plurality of nozzles (107)) may be performed manually by operating the second actuator, which aids in rotation of the outlet conduit (104) (thus, the platform (105)) via the belt which runs over the sheave member coupled to the outer surface of the outlet conduit (104). In an embodiment, upon rotation of the outlet conduit (104)[thus, the platform (105)] to compensate the twists in corners in the printed structure, the plurality of crafting brackets (110) may be displaced to working position by the third actuator (113), to carry out printing operation. Once the printing is concluded, the platform (105) may be displaced to a position between the first position and the second position, to align one stopper of the plurality of stopper with the free end of the outlet conduit (104), to block flow of print material from the extruder assembly (100).

[0050] In an embodiment, at end of printing operation, the platform (105) may be displaced to align one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles (107) with the free end of the outlet conduit (104) such that, the remaining unused print material in the three-dimensional printing system may be dispensed out through the nozzle of the plurality of nozzles (107), aligned with the free end of the outlet conduit (104). Further, the hose may be disconnected from the end of the inlet conduit (101) and water supply may be connected to the end of the inlet conduit (101) for flushing out remaining print materials from the extruder assembly (100) for cleaning the extruder assembly (100).

[0051] In an embodiment, the plurality of nozzles (107) defined in the platform (105) may include non-circular profiles, and the same cannot be construed as a limitation, since the plurality of nozzles (107) may include circular profiles. The non-circular profiled nozzles facilitate in precise deposition of material on printing structure, without spillage or drooping at either of the ends of the printing structure, thus avoiding any structural abnormality in the desired printed structures.

[0052] In an embodiment, the outlet conduit (104) (thus, the platform (105)) may be rotated by one of a gear mechanisms and a chain mechanism.

[0053] In an embodiment, the extruder assembly (100) aids in prevention of material wastage /material compaction in connecting pathways by means of valve-actuated material-control at extrusion head and feedback mechanism. This is made possible by the pressure-data based flow-rate control.

[0054] In an embodiment, the configuration of the extruder assembly (100) aids in switching the nozzle of desired configuration to dispense the print material based on thickness, width and other parameters of the structure to be printed.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS
REFERRAL NUMERALS DESCRIPTION
100 Extruder assembly
101 Inlet conduit
102 Bearing arrangement
103 Bearing casing
104 Outlet conduit
105 Platform
106 First actuator
107 Plurality of nozzles
107a, 107b Nozzle
108 Plurality of stoppers
109 Sensors
110 Crafting bracket
111 Supporting bracket
111a Support structure
112 Flange
113 Third actuator

,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. An extruder assembly (100) for a three-dimensional printing system, comprising:
an inlet conduit (101) connectable to a hose of the three-dimensional printing system, for receiving a print material;
a bearing arrangement (102), wherein one of an inner racing and an outer racing of the bearing arrangement (102) is rigidly coupled to an end of the inlet conduit (101); and
an outlet conduit (104) movably coupled to another of the inner racing and the outer racing of the bearing arrangement (102), wherein the outlet conduit (104) is configured to rotate relative to the inlet conduit (101), and dispense the print material received through the inlet conduit (101).
2. The extruder assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a platform (105) movably supported at a free end of the outlet conduit (104), wherein the platform (105) is coupled to a first actuator (106), and the first actuator (106) is configured to displace the platform (105) between a first position and a second position relative to the free end of the outlet conduit (104).
3. The extruder assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the platform (105) is defined with a plurality of nozzles (107) and a plurality of stoppers (108) to selectively allow and block flow of print material from the outlet conduit (104).
4. The extruder assembly (100) as claimed in claims 2 and 3, wherein one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles (107) or one stopper of the plurality of stoppers (108) is selectively aligned with the free end of the outlet conduit (104), during displacement of the bracket between the first position and the second position.
5. The extruder assembly (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, comprises a flange (112) coupled to a portion of the outlet conduit (104), wherein the flange (112) is configured to support a bracket accommodating the first actuator (106).
6. The extruder assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet conduit (104) is coupled to a second actuator, wherein the second actuator is configured to rotate the outlet conduit (104) relative to the inlet conduit (101).
7. The extruder assembly (100) as claimed in claims 2 and 6, wherein the first actuator (106) is a linear actuator, and the second actuator is a rotary actuator.
8. The extruder assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises one or more sensors (109) positioned on the inlet conduit (101) to determine pressure and flow rate of print material entering the extruder assembly (100).
9. The extruder assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of crafting brackets (110) positioned adjacent to the outlet conduit (104), each of the plurality of crafting brackets (110) are coupled to a third actuator (113) and configured to displace between a working position and a rest position for selectively pressing a printed structure.
10. The extruder assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the third actuator (113) is a servo motor.
11. A three-dimensional printing system comprising an extruder assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1.