3D Print Path Correction for Robot-Held Print Heads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional object printing systems face challenges in generating accurate print paths due to the operation or error of the robot holding the print head, which affects the print quality and is a heavy burden for users to manage.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional object printing system that includes a server communicatively connected to a three-dimensional object printing apparatus, where the server acquires workpiece information and generates a print path for the print head to move with respect to the workpiece, thereby reducing the user's burden and improving print quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robot holds the print head for three-dimensional object printing, then the printing capability is improved, but the operation error of the robot affects the print path accuracy and print quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidprint path accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system acquires actual robot operation information during printing and uses this feedback to calculate corrected print paths that compensate for robot operation errors, thereby maintaining print quality despite robot inaccuracies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the print path parameters in real-time based on actual robot operation data, adjusting the path to account for robot errors and ensure accurate printing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the user generates the print path manually considering robot operation and error, then the print quality can be maintained, but the user burden and operation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint qualityVSAvoiduser burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically acquires robot operation information, calculates errors, and generates corrected print paths without user intervention, making the system self-correcting and reducing user burden

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing step that automatically calculates robot operation errors and uses this information to generate appropriate print paths, eliminating the need for users to manually consider robot errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the print path is generated without considering robot operation error, then the operation is simple, but the print path accuracy and print quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidprint path accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary acquisition of robot operation information and calculates error characteristics before generating the print path, so that the path can be pre-adjusted to compensate for expected robot errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from actual robot operation to dynamically adjust and correct the print path, ensuring accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through automated correction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250144887A1Three-Dimensional Object Printing System, Control Method Of Three-Dimensional Object Printing System, And Three-Dimensional Object Printing Apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A three-dimensional object printing system includes: a three-dimensional object printing apparatus including a print head that discharges a liquid toward a three-dimensional workpiece, and a robot that holds the print head; and a server communicatively connected to the three-dimensional object printing apparatus, the server acquires workpiece information regarding the workpiece, and generates, based on the workpiece information, a print path that is a path on which the print head moves with respect to the workpiece.