3D Printer Multi-Axis Motion Control for Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers are limited to two-dimensional printing on flat surfaces and cannot effectively print on three-dimensional surfaces such as cylindrical or spherical surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional printer with a holding device and printer head that are movable and rotatable along X, Y, and Z axes, allowing precise control for ink ejection onto complex surfaces, facilitated by a supporting device and movement controller for relative movement and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional printers are used for two-dimensional printing on flat surfaces, then printing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to print on three-dimensional surfaces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the holding device rotatable about two different axes (first and second rotation axes) and enabling the printer head to move along three perpendicular axes (X, Y, Z). This dynamic multi-axis movement system allows the printer to adapt to three-dimensional surfaces, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by implementing controlled mechanical degrees of freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional printing to three-dimensional printing by adding rotational capabilities about two different axes and linear movement along three perpendicular axes. This dimensional expansion enables the printer head to approach the print substrate from multiple angles and positions, achieving printing on curved and three-dimensional surfaces
2Manufacturing precision
If the printer head and holding device are made movable and rotatable along multiple axes, then printing precision on three-dimensional surfaces is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movement controller that coordinates the complex multi-axis movement and rotation of the holding device and printer head. The controller integrates control signals for linear movements along X, Y, Z axes and rotational movements about two different axes, enabling precise positioning of the printer head relative to the three-dimensional print substrate through coordinated control
3Productivity
If conventional two-dimensional printing is performed, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity for three-dimensional printing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal printing system that can handle both flat and three-dimensional surfaces through the holding device capable of rotation about two different axes and the printer head movable along three perpendicular axes. This multi-functional capability enables the same device to perform various printing tasks on different surface types, achieving productivity for three-dimensional printing
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional printer comprises a base 1, a first supporting member 10 supported on the base such that the first supporting member is movable in the direction of an axis X, a second supporting member 15 supported on the first supporting member such that the second supporting member is movable in the direction of an axis Z, a third supporting member 20 supported on the second supporting member such that the third supporting member is rotatable about a first rotation axis Y0 extending in the direction of an axis Y, a holding chuck 26, for holding a print substrate, supported on the third supporting member such that the holding chuck is rotatable about a second rotation axis X0, and a printer head 5 supported on the base 1 to extend above the print substrate 80 such that the printer head is movable in the direction of the axis Y. The movement and rotation of the first through third supporting members and the holding chuck are controlled by a movement controller and the movement of the printer head 5 is also controlled by the movement controller. The ejection of ink from the printer head 5 is controlled by a printing controller according to the movement and rotation control by the movement controller.