3D Printing Lacrosse Heads via Digital Model Library
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D printing technology has not been widely adopted for point-of-sale applications or mass production, limiting its use to rapid prototyping and individual hobbyist projects, despite offering advantages like flexible design and reduced transportation costs.
Innovation Solution
A subscription-based system for 3D printing lacrosse heads that includes a digital library server connected to subscribers over a network, allowing for the organization, storage, and retrieval of digital object models, enabling on-demand manufacturing and customization of lacrosse heads using 3D printers at the point of sale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 3D printing is used for point of sale manufacturing, then product customization and flexibility are improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the digital model data through mesh generation and slicing algorithms before printing. The system pre-calculates toolpaths, pre-heats materials to optimal temperatures, and pre-configures printing parameters based on the specific geometry being manufactured. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the actual printing occurs, precision requirements are met while maintaining customization flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing systems with digital control systems. Instead of using fixed mechanical molds and tooling, the system uses software-based model generation, automated slicing algorithms, and digitally controlled extrusion or deposition processes. This substitution enables precise control over manufacturing parameters while maintaining the ability to easily customize products through digital model modifications.
2Loss of energy
If 3D printing is used for on-demand manufacturing, then transportation costs and warehousing are reduced, but manufacturing time and productivity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a library of pre-designed digital models ready for immediate printing. When an order is received, the appropriate model is instantly retrieved and prepared for printing without requiring design time. The system also pre-configures printing parameters and pre-heats materials, so that once printing begins, it proceeds at maximum efficiency. This eliminates the design phase from the manufacturing timeline while maintaining on-demand capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action through uninterrupted printing processes. Once a print job is initiated, the system maintains continuous operation without pauses for reconfiguration or setup changes. The build chamber remains active, materials are continuously supplied, and the printing process proceeds without interruption until completion. Multiple jobs can be queued and executed sequentially without downtime, maximizing productivity while eliminating transportation and warehousing needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If digital model library is implemented for subscription access, then ease of manufacture and distribution are improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional digital model library system that serves multiple purposes: storing design files, managing user subscriptions, controlling printing operations, and facilitating digital distribution. A single centralized server handles all these functions, eliminating the need for separate systems for each task. The same infrastructure that stores models also manages access control and tracks manufacturing, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the added capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a digital model library server as an intermediary between designers and manufacturers. This intermediary centralizes model storage, access control, and distribution, eliminating the need for direct peer-to-peer file sharing or complex point-to-point connections. The server mediates all interactions, providing a standardized interface for model retrieval and printing control, which reduces system complexity while enabling easy manufacture and distribution across multiple locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for the individualized design and manufacture of lacrosse heads using point of sale additive fabrication. In one aspect, a subscription-based method includes digitizing a plurality of lacrosse heads having different three-dimensional attributes, storing the resulting digital object data into a digital lacrosse head library, transmitting the digital lacrosse head library to a subscriber, recording the number of lacrosse heads formed by the subscriber using additive fabrication, and generating an invoice based on the number of formed lacrosse heads. In another aspect, a method includes displaying images of lacrosse heads on a user interface, enabling the user-specified selection of discrete components of a lacrosse head, enabling the user specification combination of the discrete components, superimposing the user-specified combination to form a digital object representation of a lacrosse head, forming a tangible three-dimensional lacrosse head by additive fabrication, and transferring the tangible three-dimensional lacrosse head to the consumer.