Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to additive manufacturing or three-dimensional (3D) printing, and particularly relates to an extruder for a 3D printer.
BACKGROUND
Three-dimensional printing, also known as 3D printing, is mainly a process of continuously adding layers over one another under computer control to form a stack of layers/slices such that the slices of layers form a geometrical structure. The 3D printer accumulates layer by layer from bottom to top. Many different 3D printing methods have appeared and been put into use in recent years.
To realize 3D printing, the filament is pushed by a drive system through a nozzle or a die of any cross section. There are chances in such drive systems, where the outlet nozzle can start clogging due to impurities present in the filament or due to external factors like debris being collected in the nozzle over time. When such clog starts occurring the 3D printing performance is affected because the outlet flow is not appropriately maintained and in such a situation, the system is said to be under-extruding. In case of under-extrusion, the amount of filament being fed by the feed system is more than the amount of filament coming out of the nozzle. This causes a pressure build up inside the feed system. In case of 3D prints this could result in layers not sticking to each other, voids in the parts, significantly weak parts and aesthetically bad parts. If left unchecked, the nozzle can completely clog resulting in no extrusion at all, which causing incomplete or defective objects to be printed. The nozzle of the 3D printers may be clogged due to impurities present in the filament, which may be caused due to interaction of the filament with residual material that is left in the nozzle.
Thus, there is a need for a technical solution that overcomes the aforementioned problems of a conventional nozzles of a 3D printer.

SUMMARY
In view of the foregoing, an extruder for a 3D printer is disclosed. The extruder includes a first pulley and a second pulley; a motor that is coupled to the first pulley, and configured to rotate the first pulley such that the second pulley rotates in response to the rotation of the first pulley; and first and second processing circuitries coupled to the motor and the second pulley, respectively. The first processing circuitry is configured to determine a first rotational speed associated to the motor. The second processing circuitry is configured to determine (i) a second rotational speed associated to the second pulley and (ii) a speed ratio between the first to second rotational speeds, such that the second processing circuitry, based on the determined speed ratio, determines a state of the extruder.
In some embodiments, in order to determine the state of the extruder, the second processing circuitry is configured to compare the speed ratio with a predetermined speed ratio threshold such that (i) when the speed ratio is less than the predetermined speed ratio threshold, the state of the extruder is a clogged state and (ii) when the speed ratio is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed ratio threshold, the state of the extruder is an unclogged state.
In some embodiments, the extruder further includes a speed detector that is coupled to the second pulley and the second processing circuitry, and configured to sense a speed signal representing a rotational speed of the second pulley such that the second processing circuitry determines the second rotational speed based on the speed signal.
In some embodiments, the first and second pulleys are disposed substantially spaced apart from one another such that the first and second pulleys define a gap therebetween, to receive a filament, such that, the first and second pulleys pushes the filament through the gap, upon rotation of the first pulley.
In some embodiments, when the state of the extruder is the clogged state, the second processing circuitry is configured to generate and provide a first signal to the first processing circuitry such that, upon receipt of the first signal, the first processing circuitry causes the motor to cease rotation of the first pulley.
In some embodiments, when the state of the extruder is the unclogged state, the second processing circuitry is configured to generate and provide a second signal to the first processing circuitry such that, upon receipt of the second signal, the first processing circuitry causes the motor to continue rotation of the first pulley.
In some embodiments, the first and second pulleys have first and second diameters such that a ratio of the first and second diameters is 2:1.
In an aspect, a method for determining a state of an extruder is disclosed. The method includes the steps of rotating a first pulley by a motor such that, a second pulley rotates, in response to rotation of the first pulley; determining a first rotational speed associated to the motor by a first processing circuitry; determining a second rotational speed associated to the second pulley by a second processing circuitry; determining a speed ratio between the first to second rotational speeds by the second processing circuitry; and comparing the speed ratio with a predetermined speed ratio threshold by the second processing circuitry, to determine a state of the extruder.
In some embodiments, the method further includes the steps of receiving a filament in a gap provided between the first pulley and the second pulley; and pushing the filament by the first pulley and the second pulley through the gap, upon rotation of the first pulley.
In some embodiments, the method further includes the steps of generating and providing a first signal by the second processing circuitry to the first processing circuitry such that the first processing circuitry causes the motor to cease rotation of the first pulley, when the state of the extruder is a clogged state.
In some embodiments, the method further includes the steps of generating and providing a second signal by the second processing circuitry such that the first processing circuitry causes the motor to continue rotation of the first pulley, when the state of the extruder is an unclogged state.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure becomes apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an extruder of a 3D printer, according to an embodiment herein;
FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the extruder of the 3D printer, according to an embodiment herein;
FIG. 2B illustrates an arrangement of first and second pulleys, according to an embodiment herein;
FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of the extruder of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment herein; and
FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for determining a state of the extruder of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment herein. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various embodiment of the present disclosure provides an extruder and a method for determining state of the extruder. The following description provides specific details of certain embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those embodiments. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional embodiments and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
The various embodiments including the example embodiments are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Spatially relative terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is to be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the structure in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
Embodiments described herein refer to plan views and/or cross-sectional views by way of ideal schematic views. Accordingly, the views may be modified depending on simplistic assembling or manufacturing technologies and/or tolerances. Therefore, example embodiments are not limited to those shown in the views but include modifications in configurations formed on basis of assembling process. Therefore, regions exemplified in the figures have schematic properties and shapes of regions shown in the figures exemplify specific shapes or regions of elements, and do not limit the various embodiments including the example embodiments.
The subject matter of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this . Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, the various embodiments including the example embodiments relate to an extruder and a method for determining state of the extruder.
The direction index as shown in FIG. 2A represents X-X axis, Y-Y axis, and Z-Z axis of the extruder of the present disclosure.
As mentioned there remains a need for providing an extruder for a 3D printer that is capable of predicting or determining clog within the extruder. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an extruder and a method for determining state of the extruder.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an extruder (100) of a 3D printer (not shown). The 3D printer may allow extrusion of a filament in form of a fiber to print a 3D printed article. The extruder (100) may include a first pulley (102), a second pulley (104), a motor (106), a speed detector (108), and first and second processing circuitries (110, 112).
The motor (106) may be provided with a shaft (106A) such that the shaft (106A) of the motor (106) rotates at a first rotational speed. The shaft (106A) of the motor (106) may be operatively coupled to the first pulley (102) such that the shaft (106A) of the motor (106) provides rotational force to the first pulley (102). Specifically, the rotational force provided by the motor (106) may be adapted to rotate the first pulley (102). The rotation of the first pulley (102) may be adapted to induce rotation in the second pulley (104) such that the second pulley rotates with a second rotational speed. The second pulley (104) thus rotates, in response to rotation of the first pulley (102), as is explained in detail hereinafter.
In some embodiments, the motor (106) may be a direct-current (DC) motor, a synchronous motor, a 3-phase induction motor, or a single-phase induction motor. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of motor (106) or driving means that is adapted to rotate the first pulley (102), including known, related and later developed motors or driving means that are adaptable to rotate the first pulley (102).
The first and second pulleys (102 and 104) may be disposed substantially spaced apart from one another. The first and second pulleys (102, and 104) may define a gap (103) therebetween. The filament (208) may be adapted to receive within the gap (103) between the first and second pulleys (102 and 104), from an inlet end of the extruder (100). The filament (208) may be adapted to advance out from the gap (103) upon rotation of the first pulley (102).
Although the figures illustrate that the extruder (100) include one first pulley (i.e., the first pulley (102)), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other aspects, the extruder (100) may include more than one first pulley without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In such a scenario, each first pulley is configured to perform one or more operations in a manner similar to the operations of the first pulley (102) as described above.
Although the figures illustrate that the extruder (100) include one second pulley (i.e., the second pulley (104)), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other aspects, the extruder (100) may include more than one second pulleys without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In such a scenario, each second pulley is configured to perform one or more operations in a manner similar to the operations of the second pulley (104) as described above.
In some embodiments, material of the filament (208) may include but not limited to carbon fiber filled plastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polycarbonate, metal filled filament. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of material for the filament (208), including known, related and later developed materials that are adaptable for 3D printing.
FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the extruder (100) of the 3D printer. The extruder (100) may further include an inlet end (202), an outlet end (204), and a biasing member (206). The inlet end (202) and the outlet end (204) may be disposed along a Y-axis of the extruder (100) as shown in FIG. The inlet end (202) may be adapted to receive the filament (208) into the extruder (100) such that the first and second pulleys (102 and 104) engage with the filament (208). The rotation of the first pulley (102), by virtue of the motor (106), may be adapted to push the filament (208) out to dispense the filament (208) from the outlet end (204) of the extruder (100) in the Y-axis of the extruder (100) as shown in FIG. 2A. When the second pulley (104) is engaged with the filament (208), the filament (208) upon being dispensed out through the gap (103), may be adapted to rotate the second pulley (104) with the second rotational speed. Thus, the rotation of the second pulley (104) depends on dispensing out of the filament (208) through the gap (103).
The first processing circuitry (110) may be coupled to the motor (106) and the second processing circuitry (112). The first processing circuitry (110) may include a sensor (not shown) such that the sensor determines the first rotational speed associated to the motor (106), specifically to the shaft (106A) of the motor (106). The speed detector (108) may be coupled to the second pulley (104) and the second processing circuitry (112). An appropriate circuitry of the speed detector (108) may be configured to perform one or more operations, for example, to sense a speed signal that represents a rotational speed of the second pulley (104). The second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to determine the second rotational speed associated to the second pulley (104) based on the sensed speed signal. a state of the extruder (100). Upon determining the second rotational speed, the second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to determine the speed ratio between the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed. Upon determining the speed ratio, the second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to compare the speed ratio with a predetermined speed ratio threshold to determine a state of the extruder (100), where the state of the extruder (100) is one of a clogged state and an unclogged state. Based on the comparison between the speed ratio and the predetermined speed ratio threshold by the second processing circuitry (112), the state of the extruder (100) may be the clogged state or unclogged state. The state of the extruder (100) may be the clogged state, when the speed ratio is less than the predetermined speed ratio threshold. The state of the extruder (100) may be the unclogged state, when the speed ratio is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed ratio threshold.
FIG. 2B illustrates an arrangement of the first and second pulleys (102 and 104) in the extruder (100). The first and second pulleys (102 and 104) may be adapted to push the filament (208) from the gap (103) between the first and second pulleys (102 and 104). The first pulley (102) may exhibit a first diameter (D1) and the second pulley (104) may exhibit a second diameter (D2). In some embodiments, the ratio of the first diameter (D1) to the second diameter (D2) may be 2:1.
The circumference of the first pulley (102) may be profiled with a number of teeth (203) (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the teeth 203”) such that the number of teeth (203) projects outwardly from the circumference of the first pulley (102). The teeth (203) of the first pulley (102) may be adapted to enable positive engagement of the first pulley (102) with the filament (208) to prevent slippage of the first pulley (102) with respect to the filament (208) to enable smooth dispensing of the filament (208) from the outlet end (204) of the extruder (100).
In some embodiments, a band with serrations similar to the number of teeth (203) may be wrapped around circumference of the first pulley (102) such that the serrations projects outwardly from the circumference of the first pulley (102). The serrations may be adapted to enable the positive engagement of the first pulley (102) with the filament (208) to enable smooth dispensing of the filament (208) from the outlet end (204) of the extruder (100).
In some embodiments, the gap (103) between the first and second pulleys (102 and 104), before engagement of the first pulley (102) with the filament (208) may lie within the range of 2 milli-meter (mm) to 2.5 mm. The gap (103) between the first and second pulleys (102 and 104), after engagement of the first pulley (102) with the filament (208) may lie within the range of 1.5 mm to 1.8 mm.
In some embodiments, when the state of the extruder (100) is the unclogged state, then the first rotational speed of the motor (106) may be in a range of 3.5 milli-meter per second (3.5 mm/s) to 4.5 mm/s. The second rotational speed of the second pulley (104) may lie within the range of 1.5 mm/s to 2.5 mm/s.
In some embodiments, the dispense out length of the filament (208) may lie within the range of 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm.
In some embodiments, the first and second processing circuitries (110 and 112) may be any or a combination of microprocessor, microcontroller, development boards for example, Arduino Uno, At mega 328, Raspberry Pi or other similar processing unit, and the like. In some embodiments, the first and second processing circuitries (110, 112) may include one or more processors coupled with a memory (not shown) such that the memory storing computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors.
In some embodiments, the first and second processing circuitries (110 and 112) may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the first and second processing circuitries (110 and 112). In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the first and second processing circuitries (110 and 112) may be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the first and second processing circuitries (110 and 112) may include a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the first and second processing circuitries (110 and 112). In such examples, the first and second processing circuitries (110 and 112) may include the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the first and second processing circuitries (110 and 112) and the processing resource. In other examples, the first and second processing circuitries (110 and 112) may be implemented by an electronic circuitry.
In some embodiments, the second pulley (104) may include a plurality of magnets of which first through sixth magnets (105A-105Q) are shown. The first through sixth magnets (105A-105Q) may be concentrically disposed on a face of the second pulley (104) such that the first through sixth magnets (105A-105Q) are disposed equally spaced apart on the face of the second pulley (104). The speed detector (108) may be configured to sense the speed signal that represents the rotational speed of the second pulley (104). The second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to determine the second rotational speed associated to the second pulley (104) based on the sensed speed signal provided by the speed detector (108). The first through sixth magnets (105A-105Q) are fixed on the second pulley (104) which facilitates rotation of the first through sixth magnets (105A-105Q). The speed detector (108) may be configured to sense rotation of the first through sixth magnets (105A-105Q) that passes over the speed detector (108) in order to sense the speed signal. Hence, the speed detector (108) is configured to sense the speed signal by detecting rotation of the first through sixth magnets (105A-105Q) disposed on the second pulley (104).
Although the figures illustrate that the second pulley (104) includes six magnets (i.e., the first through sixth magnets 105A-105Q), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other aspects, the second pulley (104) may include more than six magnets without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In such a scenario, each magnet is configured to perform one or more operations in a manner similar to the operations of the first through sixth magnets (105A-105Q) as described above.
In some embodiments, the speed detector (108) may be a tachometer, a hall-effect sensor, or the like. The tachometer or the hall-effect sensors may be adapted to determine the second rotational speed associated to the second pulley (104) such that the tachometer determines the second rotational speed associated to the second pulley (104).
In operation, the extruder (100) may be adapted to eject or extrude the filament (208) through the gap (103) between the first pulley (102) and the second pulley (104). During printing, the shaft (106A) of the motor (106) may be adapted to rotate at the first rotational speed such that the shaft (106A) of the motor (106) provides rotational force to the first pulley (102) to initiate rotation of the first pulley (102). The gap (103) may be adapted to accept the filament (208) from the inlet end (202) of the extruder (100). Once, the filament (208) is received in the gap (103), the first and second pulleys (102, 104), by virtue of rotation of the first pulley (102), may be adapted to push the filament (208) through the gap (103). The first processing circuitry (110) may be configured to determine the first rotational speed associated to the motor (106), specifically to the shaft (106A) of the motor (106). An appropriate circuitry of the speed detector (108) may be configured to sense the speed signal that represents the rotational speed of the second pulley (104). The second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to determine the second rotational speed associated to the second pulley (104) based on the speed signal. Upon determining the second rotational speed, the second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to determine the speed ratio between the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed. Upon determining the speed ratio, the second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to compare the speed ratio with a predetermined speed ratio threshold to determine the state of the extruder (100). Based on the comparison between the speed ratio and the predetermined speed ratio threshold by the second processing circuitry (112), the state of the extruder (100) may be the clogged state, when the speed ratio is less than the predetermined speed ratio threshold and the state of the extruder (100) may be the unclogged state, when the speed ratio is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed ratio threshold.
The second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to generate and provide a first signal (112A) to the first processing circuitry (110), when the state of the extruder (100) is the clogged state. The first processing circuitry (110) may be configured to halt the rotation of the shaft (106A) of the motor (106), upon receipt of the first signal (112A). The first processing circuitry (110), therefore: may be configured to, upon receipt of the first signal (112A), cause the motor (106) to cease rotation of the first pulley (102). Upon cessation of the rotation of the first pulley (102), the filament (208) is restricted to be dispensed from the extruder (100). The second processing circuitry (112) may further be configured to generate and provide a second signal (112B) to the first processing circuitry (110), when the state of the extruder (100) is the unclogged state. The first processing circuitry (110) may be configured to continue the rotation of the shaft (106A) of the motor (106), upon receipt of the second signal (112B). The first processing circuitry (110), therefore: may be configured to, upon receipt of the second signal (112B), cause the motor (106) to continue rotation of the first pulley (102). Upon continuation of the rotation of the first pulley (102), the filament (208) is allowed to be dispensed out from the extruder (100). The second processing circuitry (112) may therefore be configured for real-time monitoring of the extruder (100) by determining the state of the extruder in real-time and thereby ensures smooth printing of a 3d printed article from the extruder (100) of the 3D printer.
In some embodiments, the extruder (100) may include an alert unit (not shown). The second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to generate an alert signal, upon generation of the first signal (112A) such that the alert unit, upon receipt of the alert signal may be adapted to alert, about the clogged state of the extruder (100) to an operator of the 3D printer.
Since, feeding of the filament (208) is dependent on the rotational speed of the second pulley (104), therefore: the second processing circuitry (112) is configured to compute consumption of the filament (208) based on the second rotational speed. The second processing circuitry (112) may therefore be configured to generate a production report for the extruder (100) that represents appropriate usage of the filament (208), which eventually helps to avoid any wastage of the filament (208).
In some exemplary embodiments, if a clog prediction percentage associated to the extruder (100) is set to 40% then the value of the predetermined speed ratio threshold is 0.6, which means that if the speed ratio i.e., the ratio between the first to second rotational speeds, goes beyond 0.6, then the second processing circuitry (112) is configured to relay the clogged state of the extruder (100).
FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view (300) of the extruder (100), according to an embodiment herein. The first processing circuitry (110) may be coupled to the motor (106) such that the first processing circuitry (110) determines the first rotational speed associated to the motor (106). The second processing circuitry (112) may be coupled to the second pulley (104) such that the second processing circuitry (112) determines the second rotational speed associated to the second pulley (104). The second processing circuitry (112) may further be configured to determine the speed ratio between the first and second rotational speeds such that the second processing circuitry (112), based on the determined speed ratio, determines the state of the extruder (100).
The second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to, when the state of the extruder (100) is the clogged state, generate and provide the first signal (112A) to the first processing circuitry (110). The first processing circuitry (110) may be configured to, upon receipt of the first signal (112A), cause the motor (106) to cease rotation of the first pulley (102).
The second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to, when the state of the extruder (100) in the unclogged state, generate and provide the second signal (112B) to the first processing circuitry (110). The first processing circuitry (110) may be configured to, upon receipt of the second signal (112B), cause the motor (106) to continue rotation of the first pulley (102).
FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method (400) for determining a state of the extruder (100). The state of the extruder (100) may be one of a clogged state and an unclogged state. The method (400) may include following steps: -
At step (402), the extruder (100) receives the filament (208) in the gap (103) provided between the first and second pulleys (102 and 104). The inlet end (202) of the extruder (100) may be adapted to receive the filament (208) into the extruder (100).
At step (404), the extruder (100) rotates the first pulley (102) by the motor (106) such that the second pulley (104) rotates in response to rotation of the first pulley (102). The motor (106) may be provided with the shaft (106A) such that the shaft (106A) of the motor (106) rotates at a first rotational speed. The shaft (106A) of the motor (106) may be operatively coupled to the first pulley (102) such that the shaft (106A) of the motor (106) provides rotational force to the first pulley (102). The rotational force provided by the motor (106) may be adapted to rotate the first pulley (102). The rotation of the first pulley (102) may be adapted to induce rotation in the second pulley (104) such that when the first pulley (102) rotates, the second pulley (104) rotates with a second rotational speed. The second pulley (104) thus rotates, in response to rotation of the first pulley (102). When, the second pulley (104) is engaged with the filament (208), the filament (208) upon being dispensed out through the gap (103), may be adapted to rotate the second pulley (104) with the second rotational speed. Thus, the rotation of the second pulley (104), depends on dispensing out of the filament (208) through the gap (103).
At step (406), the extruder (100), upon rotation of the first pulley (102), pushes the filament (208) through the gap (103) by the first and second pulleys (102, 104). The first and second pulleys (102 and 104) may be engaged with the filament (208). The rotation of the first pulley (102), by virtue of the motor (106), may be adapted to push the filament (208) out to dispense the filament (208) from the outlet end (204) of the extruder (100).
At step (408), the extruder (100) determines the first rotational speed associated to the motor (106) by the sensor of the first processing circuitry (110). The first processing circuitry (110) may be coupled to the motor (106) and the second processing circuitry (112). The sensor of the first processing circuitry (110) may be configured to determine the first rotational speed associated to the motor (106), specifically to the shaft (106A) of the motor (106).
At step (410), the extruder (100) determines the second rotational speed associated to the second pulley (104) by the second processing circuitry (112). The speed detector (108) may be coupled to the second pulley (104) and the second processing circuitry (112). An appropriate circuitry of the speed detector (108) may be configured to perform one or more operations, for example, to sense a speed signal that represents a rotational speed of the second pulley (104). The second processing circuitry (112) may be configured to determine the second rotational speed associated to the second pulley (104) based on the sensed speed signal.
At step (412), the extruder (100) determines the speed ratio between the first to second rotational speeds by the second processing circuitry (112). The second processing circuitry (112) may determine the speed ratio to determine a state of the extruder (100), where the state of the extruder (100) is one of the clogged state and the unclogged state.
At step (414), the extruder (100) compares the speed ratio with the predetermined speed ratio threshold by the second processing circuitry (112), to determine the state of the extruder (100). Based on the comparison between the speed ratio and the predetermined speed ratio threshold by the second processing circuitry (112), the state of the extruder (100) may be the clogged state, when the speed ratio is less than the predetermined speed ratio threshold and the state of the extruder (100) may be the unclogged state, when the speed ratio is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed ratio threshold.
At step (416), the extruder (100) generates and provides the first signal (112A) by way of the second processing circuitry (112) to the first processing circuitry (110), when the state of the extruder (100) is the clogged state. The first processing circuitry (110) may be configured to halt the rotation of the shaft (106A) of the motor (106), upon receipt of the first signal (112A). The first processing circuitry (110), therefore: may be configured to, upon receipt of the first signal (112A), cause the motor (106) to cease rotation of the first pulley (102). Upon cessation of the rotation of the first pulley (102), the filament (208) is restricted to be dispensed from the extruder (100).
At step (418), the extruder (100) generates and provides the second signal (112B), by way of the second processing circuitry (112) to the first processing circuitry (110), when the state of the extruder (100) is the unclogged state. The first processing circuitry (110) may be configured to continue the rotation of the shaft (106A) of the motor (106), upon receipt of the second signal (112B). The first processing circuitry (110), therefore: may be configured to, upon receipt of the second signal (112B), cause the motor (106) to continue rotation of the first pulley (102). Upon continuation of the rotation of the first pulley (102), the filament (208) is allowed to be dispensed out from the extruder (100).
Certain advantages of the extruder (100) of the present disclosure are listed hereinbelow:
- The extruder (100) is capable of alerting the operator of the 3D printer, regarding any error or malfunctioning in the extruder (100).
- The extruder (100) is capable of pausing the 3D printing process, upon determining the clogged state of the extruder (100).
- The extruder (100) ensures smooth operation of the 3D printer, and thereby remediates the defects, if any in 3D printing.
- The extruder (100) employs the first and second processing circuitries (110 and 112) for performing different functions, which facilitates easy and quick processing of various functions that are performed while determining the state of the extruder (100).
- Since, the extruder (100) employs a dedicated processing circuitry i.e., the second processing circuitry (112) to determine the state of the extruder (100), therefore: the second processing circuitry (112) requires less time in determining the state of the extruder (100).
The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.
Moreover, though the description of the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any able subject matter. , Claims:We Claim:
1. An extruder (100) comprising;
a first pulley (102) and a second pulley (104);
a motor (106) that is coupled to the first pulley (102), and configured to rotate the first pulley (102) such that the second pulley (104) rotates in response to the rotation of the first pulley (102); and
first and second processing circuitries (110, 112) coupled to the motor (106) and the second pulley (104), respectively, wherein:
the first processing circuitry (110) is configured to determine a first rotational speed associated to the motor (106); and
the second processing circuitry (112) is configured to determine (i) a second rotational speed associated to the second pulley (104) and (ii) a speed ratio between the first and second rotational speeds, wherein the second processing circuitry (112) is configured to, based on the determined speed ratio, determine a state of the extruder (100).
2. The extruder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, to determine the state of the extruder (100), the second processing circuitry (112) is configured to compare the speed ratio with a predetermined speed ratio threshold such that (i) when the speed ratio is less than the predetermined speed ratio threshold, the state of the extruder (100) is a clogged state and (ii) when the speed ratio is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed ratio threshold, the state of the extruder (100) is an unclogged state.
3. The extruder (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a speed detector that is coupled to the second pulley (104) and the second processing circuitry (112), and configured to sense a speed signal representing a rotational speed of the second pulley (104) such that the second processing circuitry (112) determines the second rotational speed based on the speed signal.
4. The extruder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second pulleys (102 and 104) are disposed substantially spaced apart from one another such that the first and second pulleys (102 and 104) define a gap therebetween, to receive a filament (208), wherein, the first and second pulleys (102 and 104) are configured to push the filament (208) through the gap, upon rotation of the first pulley (102).
5. The extruder (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein, when the state of the extruder (100) is the clogged state, the second processing circuitry (112) is configured to generate and provide a first signal (112A) to the first processing circuitry (110) such that, upon receipt of the first signal (112A), the first processing circuitry (110) causes the motor (106) to cease rotation of the first pulley (102).
6. The extruder (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein, when the state of the extruder (100) is the unclogged state, the second processing circuitry (112) is configured to generate and provide a second signal (112B) to the first processing circuitry (110) such that, upon receipt of the second signal (112B), the first processing circuitry (110) causes the motor (106) to continue rotation of the first pulley (102).
7. The extruder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second pulleys (102 and 104) have first and second diameters (D1 and D2) such that a ratio of the first diameter (D1) to the second diameter (D2) is 2:1.
8. A method (400) for determining a state of an extruder (100), the method comprising:
receiving (402) a filament (208) in a gap provided between a first pulley (102) and a second pulley (104);
rotating (404) a first pulley (102) by a motor (106) such that, a second pulley (104) rotates, in response to rotation of the first pulley (102);
pushing (406) the filament (208) by the first pulley (102) and the second pulley (104) through the gap, upon rotation of the first pulley (102);
determining (408) a first rotational speed associated to the motor (106) by a first processing circuitry (110);
determining (410) a second rotational speed associated to the second pulley (104) by a second processing circuitry (112);
determining (412) a speed ratio between the first to second rotational speeds by the second processing circuitry (112); and
comparing (414) the speed ratio with a predetermined speed ratio threshold by the second processing circuitry (112), to determine a state of the extruder (100).
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the method further comprising:
generating and providing (416) a first signal (112A) by the second processing circuitry (112) to the first processing circuitry (110) such that the first processing circuitry (110) causes the motor (106) to cease rotation of the first pulley (102), when the state of the extruder (100) is a clogged state.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the method further comprising:
generating and providing (418) a second signal (112B) by the second processing circuitry (112) such that the first processing circuitry (110) causes the motor (106) to continue rotation of the first pulley (102), when the state of the extruder (100) is an unclogged state.