3D Print Apparatus with Independent Head Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D object print apparatuses face limitations in achieving optimal posture and location for both print heads and curing heads due to their fixed positional relationship, which can hinder efficient curing of ink on complex surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A 3D object print apparatus with a six-axis vertical articulated robot that allows independent movement and posture adjustment of both the liquid ejecting head and the energy emitting section, enabling them to trace separate routes and maintain optimal positions relative to the workpiece for precise printing and curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the print head and curing head are arranged adjacent to each other with fixed positional relationship, then the device structure is simplified, but the curing head cannot reach desired location or posture, reducing curing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing and curing functions into separate movable units (print head and curing head) that can be independently positioned and postured by the six-axis robot, allowing each to optimize its configuration for its specific function rather than being constrained by a fixed relative arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic positioning where both the print head and curing head can be moved to different locations and postures during the printing and curing processes by the six-axis robot, enabling adaptation to complex surface geometries and optimizing both print quality and curing efficiency
2Manufacturing precision
If the print head is set in desired posture at desired location for print quality, then printing precision is improved, but the curing head cannot be set in desired posture at desired location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the print head and curing head into independent operational units with separate control, allowing the print head to be positioned for optimal printing while the curing head can be independently positioned and postured for optimal curing, eliminating the constraint where one head's optimal position prevents the other from achieving its optimal configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The six-axis robot serves multiple functions by sequentially positioning both the print head and curing head, acting as a universal positioning system that can accommodate the different positioning requirements of both heads without requiring separate fixed mounting structures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures precise placement and effective curing of ink on complex surfaces, enhancing print quality and productivity by allowing the liquid ejecting head and energy emitting section to operate independently and adapt to the shape of the workpiece.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid ejecting head 310 that ejects liquid, or ink in this case, onto the workpiece W
Implementation Method 2
an energy emitting section 330 that emits energy for curing or solidifying the ink that the liquid ejecting head 310 has ejected on the workpiece W
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A three-dimensional object print apparatus performs a first step at which a liquid ejecting head ejects liquid onto a workpiece and simultaneously a moving mechanism changes a location of the liquid ejecting head relative to the workpiece along a first route and further performs a second step at which an energy emitting section irradiates the liquid on the workpiece with energy and simultaneously the moving mechanism changes the location of the liquid ejecting head relative to the workpiece along a second route. In this case, L1 < L2 at the first step and L1 > L2 at the second step, where L1 denotes a distance in a direction normal to a nozzle surface of the liquid ejecting head between the workpiece and the nozzle surface, and L2 denotes a distance in a direction normal to an emission surface of the energy emitting section between the workpiece and the emission surface.