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US 2020/0269507 A1Published application
Automatic filament changer
AssigneeOhmniLabs, Inc.
InventorJared Go
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for automatic filament change out without interruption to a 3D print task. As a filament roll runs out of filament, the tail end is detected and an automatic filament changer selects and feeds a new strand of filament to a 3D printer's extruder. The empty filament roll is replaced, the automatic filament changer can switch to a different filament roll when the new filament roll is empty, and 3D printing can run continuously with no interruptions to change out filament.
Claims19
A method for automatic filament change, the method comprising:
- loading a plurality of filament rolls into a queue, each of the filament rolls containing a strand of filament for use as a print medium for a three-dimensional printer;
- feeding a lead end of the strand of filament to the three-dimensional printer;
- detecting a tail end of the strand of filament as the filament roll runs out of the strand of filament;
- and
- automatically feeding the lead end of a next strand of filament from a next filament roll immediately behind the tail end of the strand of filament from the filament roll that is running out of the strand of filament.
2 more elements
An automatic filament change apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of input ports, wherein each of the input ports accepts a strand of filament from a filament roll in a queue;
- an output port, wherein the output port directs the strand of filament to a three- dimensional printer;
- an end sensor capable of detecting a tail end of the strand of filament as it passes out of the input port;
- a feed motor, wherein the feed motor propels the strand of filament through the input port and the output port;
- a feed motor controller, wherein the feed motor controller controls the feed motor;
- a selection motor, wherein the selection motor aligns the output port with one of the input ports;
- and
- a selection motor controller, wherein the selection motor controller controls the selection motor to align the output port with the input port selected by the selection motor controller.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.