3D Apparel Printing with Predistorted Patterns for Image Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing methods on apparel result in distorted patterns when the fabric conforms to an irregular three-dimensional surface, such as a human body, due to nonuniform stretching and compression forces, leading to loss of image clarity and recognition.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for direct 3D printing onto apparel that involves creating a predistorted pattern based on an undistorted design, using a computing device to account for the distortions that occur when the fabric is placed on a simple geometric shape, ensuring the pattern remains undistorted when worn on an irregular surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard 3D printing method is used to print patterns directly onto apparel fabric, then the printing process is simple and straightforward, but the printed pattern becomes distorted when the fabric conforms to an irregular three-dimensional surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distorting the pattern before printing it onto the fabric. The system calculates the distortion that will occur when the fabric conforms to the body and applies the inverse distortion to the pattern in advance. This ensures that when the fabric is worn, the pattern appears undistorted despite the nonuniform stretching and compression forces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fabric is stretched uniformly to conform to a simple geometric shape, then the printing process is easier, but real apparel surfaces are irregular three-dimensional surfaces causing nonuniform stretching and compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the distortion applied to different regions of the pattern based on the local geometry of the apparel surface. The system divides the surface into multiple regions and calculates specific distortion parameters for each region, accounting for nonuniform stretching and compression forces. This allows the pattern to maintain clarity and recognition across the entire irregular three-dimensional surface.
3Manufacturing precision
If a predistorted pattern is created and printed onto a simple geometric shape, then the pattern remains undistorted when worn on an irregular surface, but the process requires complex calculations and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement and adjustment systems with computational methods. Instead of using complex mechanical devices to physically measure and adjust the fabric and pattern, the system uses computer algorithms to calculate the predistortion parameters and generate the corrected pattern digitally. This substitution of computational methods for mechanical systems reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for three-dimensional printing directly onto an article of apparel. Disclosed is a method and system for direct three-dimensional printing onto an article of apparel, including receiving an undistorted three-dimensional pattern for display on the article, the undistorted three-dimensional pattern configured for placement on an irregular three-dimensional surface; creating a predistorted three-dimensional pattern from the undistorted three-dimensional pattern for printing onto a simple three-dimensional shaped object; receiving the predistorted three-dimensional pattern in a three-dimensional printing system; and printing the predistorted three-dimensional pattern onto the article.