WO2019034990A1

WO2019034990A1 - Three-dimensional printing in a non-gravitational field

Info

Publication number: WO2019034990A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/056101
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chinmay KENDURKAR
Original assignee: Kendurkar Chinmay
Priority date: 2017-08-17
Filing date: 2018-08-14
Publication date: 2019-02-21

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional (3D) printing device (100) capable of printing/creating 3D objects. The proposed printing device (100) comprises at least one robotic arm (102) operatively configured with one or more nozzles (104) that dispenses an shear thickening fluid (STF) (106) or a non-Newtonian fluid, and an electricity generation system (108) configured to generate electricity of specific rated voltage and current, wherein electricity generated by the electricity generation system (108) flows through the shear thickening fluid (STF) (106), resulting in change in properties of the shear thickening fluid (STF) (106). The shear thickening fluid (STF) (106) is selected from any or a combination of a dilatant material, a shear thickening fluid, a magnetorheological fluid (MRF), an electrorheological fluid (ERF) or iono-printing gel.

Description

THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING IN A NON-GRAVITATIONAL FIELD TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of 3D printing technology, and more specifically, to a printing device that enables printing of a three-dimensional (3D) structure in anti-gravity conditions ("weightless", or "apparent weightlessness" condition due to any cause or reason).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing refers to processes used to create three-dimensional objects in which layers of material are formed under computer control to create an object. The strengths of additive manufacturing lie in those areas where conventional manufacturing reaches its limitations. The technology is of interest where a new approach to design and manufacturing is required so as to come up with solutions. It enables a design-driven manufacturing process where design determines production and not the other way around. Additive manufacturing further allows for highly complex structures which can still be extremely light and stable. It provides a high degree of design freedom, the optimization and integration of functional features, the manufacture of small batch sizes at reasonable unit costs and a high degree of product customization even in serial production.

[0004] 3D printing finds application in all major technical fields, for instance, in medical industry surgeons can produce patient-specific 3D printed models of patients' body parts or organs. They can use these models to plan and practice surgeries, potentially saving lives. 3D printing makes it possible to make a part from scratch in just hours. It allows designers and developers to go from flat screen to exact, physical part. Nowadays almost everything from aerospace and spacecraft components to toys are being built with the help of 3D printers. 3D printing is also used for jewelry and art, architecture, fashion design, art, architecture and interior design. Various materials are used for 3D printing, such as ABS plastic, PLA (Polylactic Acid), polyamide (nylon), glass filled polyamide, stereo lithography materials (epoxy resins), silver, titanium, steel, wax, photopolymers, polycarbonate and the likes.

[0005] The traditional 3D printers work on Earth, the Earth's gravity can ensure that the molten material is extruded from the nozzle and does not require sealing conditions. However, in recent years, 3D printing technology is increasingly being applied to space, space in the 3D printing can print complex spaceship parts required; plus a type of manufacturing, manufacturing savings over traditional materials, spacecraft parts the printed material is minimized; exact physical replication, can scan, edit and copy entity objects, creates an exact copy or optimization of the original; many materials, commonly used materials are PLA, ABS resin, durable nylon material, gypsum materials, aluminum materials, titanium, stainless steel, silver, gold, rubber-like material, and the material infinite combinations. Personalized manufacturing and 3D printing economy may reduce spacecraft carrying spare parts, reduce spacecraft launch costs, the costs used in other more demand. The spacecraft has its own manufacturing capacity, but also for long-term space mission (such as exploring other planets) have pioneering role that astronauts have a greater degree of autonomy and flexibility in space. These advantages in the use of 3D printing space can be maximized.

[0006] As is evident, installation and maintenance of conventional printing devices at a remote location such as interior or exterior of a spacecraft or in outer space is quite difficult. Also, use of such conventional printing devices in anti-gravity conditions such as in outer space is not favorable as requisite control of various components of the conventional printing devices needs to be optimized to reliably operate in anti-gravity conditions.

[0007] Thus it is evident from the above that in the space of the original gravity into a microgravity conditions, there is a need to generate gravitational field to ensure that the material is extruded from the nozzle; at the same time to take into account normal healthy astronauts and equipment to reach the space exploration aviation devices offer spare parts purposes. Accordingly, a space environment of 3D printing system is of great significance.

[0008] There is therefore a need in the art of additive manufacturing that provides for printing of three-dimensional objects at a remote locations having non-gravitational field such as a spacecraft or in outer space. Further, there also exists a need to provide for a simple and reliable device capable of printing three-dimensional objects such as circuit boards, nut- bolts, screw drivers, and the like, that can be disintegrated and reused to print other three- dimensional objects as and when requirement arise. [0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0010] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0011] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0012] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION [0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a printing device that uses impact resistant fluid selected from any or combination of a shear thickening fluid (STF), a dilatant material, a magnetorheological fluid (MRF), electrorheological fluids (ERFs), Quicksand, iono-printing gel, or any combination thereof, or any Newtonian or non- Newtonian fluids to print three-dimensional objects.

[0014] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a printing device that allows 3D printing in anti-gravity conditions, such as space.

[0015] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a printing device that is portable and compact in size.

[0016] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a printing device that is cost-efficient.

[0017] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a printing device that can be installed at a desired location with ease.

[0018] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a printing device that allows temporary solidification of the Shear Thickening Fluid (STF).

[0019] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide for a printing device that uses a reusable Shear Thickening Fluid (STF).

[0020] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a printing device that is easy to repair.

SUMMARY

[0021] The present invention relates generally to the field of 3D printing technology, and more specifically, to a printing device that enables printing of a three-dimensional (3D) structure in anti-gravity conditions ("weightless", or "apparent weightlessness" condition due to any cause or reason).

[0022] It may be appreciated that, the term "dilatant" (also termed shear thickening) material or shear thickening fluid used throughout the disclosure is one in which viscosity increases with increase in rate of shear strain. Such a shear thickening fluid, also known by initialism "STF", is an example of non-Newtonian fluids. Shear viscosity of a dilatant material increases with applied shear stress. Shear thickening behavior is only one type of deviation from Newton's Law, and it is controlled by factors such as particle size, shape, and distribution. The properties of this deviation depends on Hamaker theory and Van der Waals forces and can be stabilized electrostatically or sterically. Shear thickening behavior occurs when a colloidal suspension transitions from a stable state to a state of flocculation. [0023] Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a printing device that uses impact resistant fluid selected from any or combination of a shear thickening fluid (STF), a dilatant material or a shear thickening fluid or a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) or an electrorheological fluids (ERF), Quicksand, iono-printing gel, or any combination thereof, to print three-dimensional objects.

[0024] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a printing device for printing a three-dimensional object. The printing device includes one or more robotic arms having one or more nozzles operatively adapted to dispense an impact resistant fluid for printing said three-dimensional object in a non-gravitational field, wherein said three-dimensional object is reconvertible to said impact resistant fluid by the application of force and thereby reusable for printing.

[0025] In an aspect, said force is applied using an electricity generation system adapted to generate electricity of a pre-determined rated voltage and current for reconverting said impact resistant fluid. In an aspect, said electricity generated by the electricity generation system flows through the impact resistant fluid, resulting in change in properties of the impact resistant fluid. In an aspect, the electricity generation system comprises a generator unit and/or a battery unit.

[0026] In an aspect, said one or more nozzles deposit portions of the impact resistance fluid on a substrate and thereby apply pre-defined conditions to the deposited impact resistance fluid for forming a boundary that defines at least a portion of a surface of the desired three-dimensional object, and wherein said pre-defined conditions are any or combination of a shear stress/strain, pressure, and electricity.

[0027] In an aspect, the impact resistant is selected from any or a combination of a shear thickening fluid (STF) a dilatant material, a magneto rheological fluid (MRF), an electro rheological fluid (ERF) or iono-printing gel.

[0028] In an aspect, said three-dimensional object is a permanent three-dimensional object.

[0029] In an aspect, the printing device is automated to print the three-dimensional objects with least manual intervention.

[0030] In an aspect, said printing device includes a secondary nozzle, separate from said one or more nozzles, adapted to provide a mixing fluid and/or electricity of a predetermined rated voltage and current for printing and/or reconverting said impact resistant fluid. [0031] In an aspect, said one or more nozzles includes a metallic conductor connected to ground or neutral so that an electricity is applied only to the dispensed impact resistant fluid while printing.

[0032] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a 3D printing system that may print a desired 3D object using an impact resistance fluid. A deposition system may deposit portions of the impact resistance fluid on a substrate. A fluid dispense system may apply predefined conditions to the deposited impact resistance fluid. The pre-defined condition may include a shear stress/strain, pressure, electricity, and the like to the deposited impact resistance fluid. An object forming system may form a boundary that defines at least a portion of a surface of the desired 3D object.

[0033] The object forming system may include one or more nozzles that have an interior passageway through which the impact resistance fluid travels. The nozzle may have a lower end that includes a leading edge in the shape of a plow that can plow a trough between portions of the fusible powder when the lower end of the nozzle traverses such portions. The lower end may include a rearward-facing opening though which impact resistance fluid is ejected from the nozzle and into the trough immediately after the trough is plowed by the leading edge, thereby filling the trough as the trough is plowed. The object forming system may cause the leading edge to plow through portions of the fusible powder and the opening to eject inhibitor material from the nozzle immediately after the trough is plowed by the leading edge, thereby filling the trough as the trough is plowed.

[0034] Examples of the three-dimensional (3D) printing method disclosed herein utilize multi jet fusion (MJF). During multi jet fusion, an entire layer or several layers of a build material (also referred to as build material particles) is/are exposed to radiation, but a selected region (in some instances less than the entire layer(s)) of the build material is fused and hardened to become a layer or several layers of a 3D object/part. In examples disclosed herein, a penetrating liquid functional material is selectively deposited in contact with the selected region of the build material. The penetrating liquid functional material is capable of penetrating into the layer of the build material and spreading onto the exterior surface of the build material and substantially uniformly throughout the build material layer. The penetrating liquid functional material contains an energy absorber. As such, the penetrating liquid functional material is capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation and converting the absorbed radiation to thermal energy, which in turn melts or sinters the build material that is in contact with the penetrating liquid functional material. This causes the build material to fuse, bind, cure, etc. to form the layer of the 3D object/part with enhanced interlayer bonding and strengthened mechanical properties.

[0035] Examples of the penetrating liquid functional material have non-Newtonian fluid properties. The non-Newtonian fluid properties of the penetrating liquid functional material create a reduced viscosity under sheer or thermal forces when ejected from a printhead. This enables the penetrating liquid functional material to be printed via an inkjet printer. Once the penetrating liquid functional material exits the printhead, it is able to quickly migrate and substantially uniformly disperse throughout the build material powder. The penetrating liquid functional material can penetrate across several build material layers, and thus deliver the energy absorber across voxel boundaries. This leads relatively homogeneous spreading of the energy absorber across the layers, which can improve thermal uniformity during fusing, which in turn leads to improved part uniformity. Also after exiting the printhead and spreading throughout the build material layer, the viscosity of the penetrating liquid functional material increases and may form a structured network, which can improve the mechanical properties of the 3D object/part that is formed.

[0036] In some instances, the penetrating liquid functional material may be uniformly distributed on and/or within the build material powder that is on top of a previously cured layer of build material. In these instances, the penetrating liquid functional material can penetrate through to the surface of the underlying cured layer, and this may enhance the bond between the newly cured layer and the previously cured layer.

[0037] As used herein, "structured network" refers to the three dimensional structure formed by the smaller metal oxide particles in the presence of the larger metal oxide particles via electrostatic interactions and/or physical interactions in the penetrating liquid functional material. The three dimensional structure is dependent upon mechanical and/or thermal forces. The mechanical and/or thermal forces, such as shear energy or heat energy, weaken the structured network resulting in the viscosity changes based on the amount of force applied. In one example, the structured network may include polymers. Thus, such examples preclude polymers from being present within the penetrating liquid functional material, or even trapped or contained within the structured network. For example, the present penetrating liquid functional material can further include a polymeric surfactant that does not self- assemble as part of the three dimensional structure but can be present within such a structure.

[0038] Regarding the present description as it relates to "non-Newtonian," a non-

Newtonian fluid is one which has viscosity dependent on an applied force, such as shear or thermal forces (added thermal). For example, shear thinning fluids decrease in viscosity with increasing rate of shear. The penetrating liquid functional material of the present application can exhibit these same shear thinning effects, under the fluid ejection conditions in which penetrating liquid functional material is moved between the fluid container and the printhead of an inkjet device. In another example, thermal thinning fluids decrease in viscosity with increasing rate of heat. The penetrating liquid functional material of the present disclosure can likewise show these same thermal thinning effects, when the penetrating liquid functional material is heated during printing, e.g., at the fluid container or at the print head of an inkjet device.

[0039] As mentioned, these structured systems show non-Newtonian flow behavior, thus providing useful characteristics for implementation in an inkjet ink because their ability to shear or thermal thin for jetting. Once jetted, this feature allows the jetted drops to become more elastic-, mass-, or gel-like when they strike the build material surface. These characteristics can also provide improved build material attributes, such as the enhanced interlayer bonding and strengthened mechanical properties.

[0040] It would be appreciated that although aspects of the present disclosure have been explained with respect to a printing device capable of printing/creating three- dimensional objects, the present disclosure is not limited to the same in any manner whatsoever and any other form of printing devices and devices that dispense a fluid is completely covered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] Compared to conventional techniques, the exemplary embodiment provides a printing device that enables printing of a three-dimensional (3D) structures/objects in anti- gravity conditions ("weightless", or "apparent weightlessness" condition due to any cause or reason) and has the effect of automatically and precisely supplying or stopping the supply of the liquid material without the necessity of dispensing the liquid manually, thus being labor- saving and convenient.

[0042] It may be appreciated that, even though the embodiments of the present disclosure are explained for the printers using STF or non-Newtonian fluid, it may be appreciated that such printers can also use Newtonian fluid for printing.

[0043] It may be further appreciated that, even though the embodiments of the present disclosure are explained for the printers that prints in anti-gravity conditions, it may be appreciated that such printers can also print in gravity or under gravity without any technical modifications. [0044] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features of the disclosure together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0046] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of proposed three-dimensional

(3D) printing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or

"might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0049] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0050] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this disclosure. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any electronic code generator shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.

[0051] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0052] The present invention relates to a printing device that can print/create a three- dimensional structure in anti-gravity conditions. The present disclosure provides a printing device that uses a Shear Thickening Fluid (STF) to print/create permanent or temporary three-dimensional objects.

[0053] Recent developments in material science have led to the development of a new class of advanced composite materials classified as shear-thickening fluid (STF) fabrics. It is best described as a rate sensitive micro-cellular composite, incorporating 'intelligent' molecules. The molecules are free flowing when movement is normal, providing a soft and flexible material. However, when impact occurs (representing a condition with high shear forces), the molecules lock together making the material stiffen, absorbing impact energy.

[0054] Shear thickening fluids, (STFs), also known as Non-Newtonian fluids and/or dilatants, are generally comprised of a suspension media (typically polymer-based) and inorganic colloidal particles of relatively uniform size. Normally, the STF is able to flow easily when force or high velocity is not applied. Under increased stress or strain at higher velocities or with elevated pressure, the STF rapidly stiffens or solidifies in response to the increased force as a result of higher viscosity and/or the alignment of the spherical particles within the suspension media. Importantly, this stiffening effect is a dynamic process with a rapid "on and off rate", making the material housing the STF both elastic and resilient.

[0055] Polyethylene glycol based STFs comprised of, for example, stabilized spherical colloidal silica (such as MP4540 from Nissan Chemicals) and polyethylene glycol are known in the art. Formulations of STF have a general composition of colloidal particles and carrier or suspension fluid, varying in 1) the size and type of particles, 2) the suspension solution properties, and 3) the broad spectrum of mixtures and combinations of particles and fluids. The particles may be silicon-dioxide (Si02) or oxides incorporating other transition metals (titanium, iron, copper, silver, gold), most often in a colloidal/spherical form, although not excluding other uniform geometric shapes (elliptical, cubical, cuboidal, or other polyhedral forms).

[0056] Modifications of these oxides can be accomplished on the surface of the molecule through, for example, silanization, varieties of which are well known in the field and are commercially available. Additional non-oxide particles include, but are not limited to, polymers (e.g. borate-based (from the naturally occurring mineral, sassolite), polystyrene, etc.), calcium carbonate mixtures, and/or even softer particles like polymethyl methacrylate. The particles range in size from 10 nm to more than 800 nm, usually less than 1 μπι, and can be dispersed in solution as slurry and maintained individually or as a mixture of particles for many months with daily agitation/mixing.

[0057] In an embodiment, the present invention utilizes a liquid called as shear thickening fluid (STF) that does not confirm to the model of Newtonian liquids, such as water, in which the force required to move the fluid faster must increase exponentially, and its resistance to flow changes according to temperature. Instead, STF hardens upon impact at any temperature, providing protection from penetration by high-speed projectiles and additionally dispersing energy over a larger area.

[0058] In an embodiment, such STF can be utilized in combination with existing or new sensor mechanisms. Nowadays, even if the software and legislature do not allow full autonomy, companies still install all the hardware needed for it. Practically all luxury cars (above Rs. 25 Lacs) come with semi- autonomous systems like lane assist and collision prevention systems so they have cameras and proximity sensors connected to a CPU.

[0059] In an embodiment, the printing device can include a separate detachable or undetectable container used to store or collect STF. In an exemplary embodiment, It may be appreciated that, the separate detachable or undetectable container can be made of any suitable material from any or combination of paper, plastic, glass, rubber, or even metal. In an exemplary embodiment, the detachable container and undetectable container can store or collect liquid STF.

[0060] It should be appreciated that, the "three-dimensional object" can be any of an article or an item or a piece or a device or a gadget or a vehicle or a multilevel structure or a structure or a watercraft or an aircraft and can be referred individually or collectively as "three-dimensional structure" hereinafter. Further, it should be appreciated that a dilatant material or a shear thickening fluid or a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) or an electrorheological fluid (ERF) and iono-printing gel, can be referred individually or collectively as "the shear thickening fluid (STF)" hereinafter.

[0061] It may be appreciated that the shear thickening fluid (STF) used herein the present disclosure can be any or a combination of a dilatant material or a shear thickening fluid (STF) or a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) or an electrorheological fluid (ERF) and iono-printing gel. However, embodiments of the present invention are now discussed considering that the shear thickening fluid (STF) is a shear thickening fluid to avoid the complexity in understanding the present invention. It may be further appreciated that even though the present invention is disclosed utilizing STF, the explicit usage of STF shall not restrict the scope of the shear thickening fluid (STF) as recited above.

[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of proposed printing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the printing device 100 includes at least one robotic arm 102 that can include a plurality of links assembled in such a way so as to effect a desired movement of the arm 102. In an aspect, the at least one robotic arm 102 includes any or a combination of telescopic, slidable, rotational or revolving links that can impart a desired movement of the arm 102.

[0063] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can include one or more nozzles 104 operatively configured with the at least one robotic arm 102. The one or more nozzles 104 can dispense a Shear Thickening Fluid (STF) 106 such as any or a combination of a dilatant material, a shear thickening fluid, a magnetorheological fluid (MRF), an electrorheological fluid (ERF) or iono-printing gel. Viscosity of the Shear Thickening Fluid (STF) 106 increases with an increase in rate of shear strain, wherein shear strain can be developed by providing a shear stress on surface of the dilatant material either electrostatically or sterically. Further, due to an increase in viscosity of the Shear Thickening Fluid (STF) 106, the Shear Thickening Fluid (STF) 106 changes its shape and solidifies on further shear deformation. In an aspect, a desired shape of the Shear Thickening Fluid (STF) 106 can be printed by controlling the flow of electricity, movement of the at least one robotic arm 102 and dispensation of the Shear Thickening Fluid (STF) 106 form the one or more nozzle 104.

[0064] In an aspect, the nozzle 104 can include any or combination of a conveying pipe necking, a conveying pipe, a conveying line within the channel, a heating mechanism to transport molten STF or pressurized STF for conveying molten liquid. In another aspect, the nozzle 104 can be provided with an adjustable flow.

[0065] In an aspect, the nozzle 104 can be improved synchronization pressurized

(pressurized modified embodiment of the nozzle structure. In microgravity, the nozzle 104 in the first PC-based machine controls nozzle 104 in the development of a regional program to spray a layer of STF.

[0066] In an aspect, the printing device 100 further includes an electricity generation system 108 that generates electricity of a specific rated voltage and current. The electricity generated by the electricity generation system 108 is passed through the shear thickening fluid (STF) 106 and upon conduction of electricity, the shear thickening fluid (STF) 106 solidifies and takes a desired shape based on movement of the one or more nozzles 104 operatively configured with the at least one robotic arm 102. In an aspect, the electricity generation system can include either a generator unit or a battery unit that are capable of generating electricity of a specific rated voltage and current. In an aspect, the electricity generation system 108 can also include a step up/step down transformer to provide a rated capacity of electricity to the shear thickening fluid (STF) 106. In an aspect, the battery unit can be a rechargeable battery unit that generated electricity.

[0067] In an aspect, the printing device 100 further includes a pressurized equipment

(not shown) that solidifies the shear thickening fluid (STF) 106 and takes a desired shape based on movement of the one or more nozzles 104 operatively configured with the at least one robotic arm 102.

[0068] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can include the FDM (Fused Deposition technique) technique, wherein the material comprises the STF, a wax, ABS, PLA, nylon, etc., filamentous supply, heating becomes a molten state; the printing device 100 simultaneously comes with nozzle for molding.

[0069] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can be used in the aerospace field, it characterized overcome the conventional 3D printing cannot be formed under microgravity conditions drawbacks advantage of 3D printed parts and tools that do not have transportation from the earth, will enhance the reliability and safety of space missions, so that the astronauts have a greater degree of autonomy and flexibility in space, reducing the cost of space missions and also on long-term space mission (such as exploring other planets) have pioneering role.

[0070] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can include a control unit (not shown) that can control the flow of electricity from the electricity generation system 108, movement of the at least one robotic arm 102 and dispensation of the shear thickening fluid (STF) 106 form the one or more nozzle 104 to provide requisite control of various parameters/variables associated with printing of the three-dimensional object in normal as well as anti-gravity conditions. In another aspect, the control unit can control the flow of the STF while dispensing.

[0071] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can be used in anti-gravity conditions such as interior and exterior of a spacecraft or in outer space. In an aspect, the printing device 100 is automated in such a way that movement of the at least one robotic arm 102 can be controlled in anti-gravity conditions. The at least one robotic arm 102 can be fixed at a desired location in the spacecraft or at exterior of the spacecraft. The printing device 100 is programmed such that it can operate effectively in anti-gravity conditions.

[0072] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can be stored beneath outer layer of the spacecraft. This can provide an additional protection layer, and also, with some additions can protect occupants, payload, and other sensitive instruments from particle radiation. In addition, the printing device 100 can be ejected outside the spacecraft to act as retro thrusters in case of emergency to steer the spacecraft.

[0073] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can further be used to dispense any fluid including, but not limited to, water, food and biological samples to provide a user with the convenience of using the printing device 100 as a storage device capable of storing fluids for a prolonged period of time. For instance, since there is less space inside a spacecraft, food can be stored in liquid/semi solid form to save space in containers. The food can be 3D printed by forming sandwich like layers by the printing device 100 according to and based on nutritional value.

[0074] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can be installed at a desired interior as well as exterior location of a spacecraft, or can be coupled to an outer space entity such as a planet, or a rock.

[0075] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can be used to print both permanent as well as temporary three-dimensional objects such as, but not limited to, screws, nuts, struds, columns, shafts and the likes. In an aspect, the permanent three-dimensional objects can be printed by coating the shear thickening fluid (STF) 106 with an epoxy fluid (either sprayed or painted) or any other solidifying agent. In addition, the shear thickening fluid (STF) 106 can be mixed with nanoparticles of metals like titanium, platinum or gold or non-metals like carbon fiber, silicon carbide or tungsten carbide and the like to prevent deformation of the permanent three-dimensional object in case an outer layer of the object is damaged. [0076] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can be used to make entire spacecraft in space with or without human intervention. The spacecraft can be manned spacecraft or robotic spacecraft that operates either autonomously or telerobotically. In another aspect, the printing device 100 can be especially used to build entire mother-ship, which in future will be used for interstellar travel, or something like the International Space station. For instance a spacecraft travelling to search for another planet, it can act like a parent/mother-ship and be used to built and/or deploy smaller crafts to intercept and analyse other celestial bodies like planets, asteroids, stars, etc. The smaller crafts can be 3D printed outside the mother-ship and equipped with necessary equipment (sample analysis and collection, gas sensors, etc.) and could be used to do it autonomously.

[0077] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can be used in an asteroid mining. The asteroid mining is the exploitation of raw materials from asteroids and other minor planets, including near-earth objects. Minerals can be mined from an asteroid or spent comet then used in space for construction materials or taken back to earth whereas minerals can be any or combination of gold, iridium, silver, osmium, palladium, platinum, rhenium, rhodium, ruthenium and tungsten for transport back to earth; iron, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, aluminium, and titanium for construction. A robot can mine and eject pieces of asteroids or raw materials and then the printing device 100 can be used to provide certain modification applying heat shield, making a shell on it (maybe like a fixed wing design for smooth atmospheric entry, etc.) taken back to the earth.

[0078] In an aspect, the printing device 100 can be used to modify or repair existing satellite. For instance for repairing the satellite, the present invention can be utilized.

[0079] In an aspect, the present invention can be used to carry or transport heavy equipment that needs for extraction or mining of the space entities.

[0080] In an aspect, the temporary three-dimensional objects can be disintegrated and can be reused as the shear thickening fluid (STF) 106 to print/create other three-dimensional objects.

[0081] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0082] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0083] The present disclosure provides a printing device that uses a shear thickening fluid (STF) to create three-dimensional objects.

[0084] The present disclosure provides a printing device that allows 3D printing in anti-gravity conditions.

[0085] The present disclosure provides a printing device that is portable and compact in size

[0086] The present disclosure provides a printing device that is cost-efficient.

[0087] The present disclosure provides a printing device that can be installed at a desired location with ease.

[0088] The present disclosure provides a printing device that allows temporary solidification of the shear thickening fluid (STF).

[0089] The present disclosure provides for a printing device that uses a reusable shear thickening fluid (STF). [0090] The present disclosure provides a printing device that is easy to repair.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A printing device for printing a three-dimensional object, said printing device comprising:

one or more robotic arms having one or more nozzles operatively adapted to dispense an impact resistant fluid for printing said three-dimensional object in a non-gravitational field, wherein said three-dimensional object is reconvertible to said impact resistant fluid by the application of force and thereby reusable for printing.

2. The printing device of claim 1, wherein said force is applied using an electricity generation system adapted to generate electricity of a pre-determined rated voltage and current for reconverting said impact resistant fluid.

3. The printing device of claim 2, wherein said electricity generated by the electricity generation system flows through the impact resistant fluid, resulting in change in properties of the impact resistant fluid.

4. The printing device of claim 2, wherein the electricity generation system comprises a generator unit and/or a battery unit.

5. The printing device of claim 1, wherein the impact resistant is selected from any or a combination of a Shear Thickening Fluid (STF), a dilatant material, a magneto rheological fluid (MRF), an electro rheological fluid (ERF), iono-printing gel or a non-Newtonian fluid.

6. The printing device of claim 1, wherein said three-dimensional object is printed in a gravitational field.

7. The printing device of claim 1, wherein said one or more nozzles are adapted to deposit portions of the impact resistance fluid on a substrate and thereby apply pre-defined conditions to the deposited impact resistance fluid for forming a boundary that defines at least a portion of a surface of the desired three-dimensional object, and wherein said pre-defined conditions are any or combination of a shear stress/strain, pressure, and electricity.

8. The printing device of claim 1, wherein said printing device includes a secondary nozzle, separate from said one or more nozzles, adapted to provide a mixing fluid and/or electricity of a pre-determined rated voltage and current for printing and/or reconverting said impact resistant fluid.

9. The printing device of claim 1, wherein said one or more nozzles includes a metallic conductor connected to ground or neutral so that an electricity is applied only to the dispensed impact resistant fluid while printing.

10. A method for printing a three-dimensional object, said method comprising: dispensing, one or more robotic arms having one or more nozzles, an impact resistant fluid for printing said three-dimensional object in a non-gravitational field, wherein said three- dimensional object is reconvertible to said impact resistant fluid by the application of force and thereby reusable for printing.