3D Printing Directly onto Fabric Apparel
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies require a flat substrate and a release layer to prevent adhesion, limiting the ability to print directly onto curved or textured surfaces such as fabric materials.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a 3D printing system that can print directly onto fabric materials without the need for a release layer or a flat substrate, allowing for the creation of complex structures on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a release layer is used to prevent adhesion during 3D printing, then the printing process can be performed, but the fabric material cannot be directly printed onto and additional assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the release layer from the printing system, allowing material to be deposited directly onto the fabric material without requiring a separate release layer that would need to be removed in additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the substrate and fabric material into a single integrated structure by printing directly onto the fabric, eliminating the need for separate release layers and reducing assembly steps
2Ease of manufacture
If a flat substrate is required for 3D printing, then printing can be performed, but curved or textured surfaces such as fabric cannot be printed onto
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic printing system that can adjust to the contours and texture of the fabric material, allowing the printhead to follow the surface topology rather than requiring a static flat substrate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the printing parameters and system configuration to accommodate curved and textured surfaces, enabling the printing process to adapt to fabric topography rather than requiring flat substrates
3Ease of manufacture
If additional assembly steps are used to attach printed material to fabric, then the printing can be performed, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the attachment action during the printing process itself by depositing material directly onto the fabric, so the bonding occurs preliminarily rather than requiring subsequent assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system performs the attachment function itself through direct deposition onto the fabric material, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and making the process self-sufficient
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 approach enables the direct 3D printing of materials onto fabric articles of apparel and footwear, providing customized properties such as increased strength, flexibility, and durability, while eliminating the need for additional assembly steps.
Implementation Method 1
The method involves using a 3D printing system that can print directly onto fabric materials without the need for a release layer or a flat substrate, allowing for the creation of complex structures on uneven surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for apparel assembly using three-dimensional printing directly onto fabric apparel materials. Disclosed is a method and system for direct three-dimensional printing and assembly of an article of apparel, including designing a three-dimensional pattern for printing, positioning at least a portion of the article on a tray in a three-dimensional printing system, the portion being positioned substantially flat on the tray, printing a three-dimensional material directly onto the article using the designed pattern, curing the printed material, and removing the article from the three-dimensional printing system.