3D Object Printing with Coordinated Nozzle and Emitter Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional object printing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining an appropriate distance between nozzles and workpieces with curved or irregular surfaces, leading to potential interference and reduced print quality.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional object printing apparatus with a moving mechanism that includes a linear motion mechanism and up-and-down mechanisms to adjust the position of liquid ejecting units and a light emitting unit relative to the workpiece, allowing for precise control over the distance and alignment, even on complex surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the distance between nozzles and workpiece is reduced to improve print quality on curved surfaces, then printing precision is improved, but the light emitting unit interferes with the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the lighting system into multiple separate light emitting units positioned at different locations and angles relative to the nozzles. This segmentation allows light to be emitted from multiple directions without any single unit interfering with the workpiece when nozzles are positioned close for high-quality printing on curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple light emitting units with the nozzle assembly in an integrated manner, where the lights are positioned around the nozzles rather than as a single centralized unit. This merged configuration allows the lighting system to provide adequate illumination for close-distance printing while avoiding interference with the workpiece surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between nozzles and workpiece is increased to avoid interference with the light emitting unit, then interference is reduced, but print quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lighting system into multiple units positioned at different locations, the apparatus can illuminate the workpiece effectively even when nozzles are positioned at optimal close distances for high-quality printing. The segmented lights cover different areas without requiring increased nozzle-to-workpiece distance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light emitting units are added to illuminate curved surfaces, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting units are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide illumination for curved and irregular surfaces, assist in defining the printing area, and can be positioned to avoid interference with the workpiece. This multi-functionality justifies the inclusion of multiple units while maximizing their utility.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting units are positioned and oriented to dynamically adapt to the workpiece geometry, with each unit angled and positioned to optimally illuminate specific areas of curved or irregular surfaces. This dynamic configuration maximizes illumination coverage while maintaining a manageable system complexity.
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
The apparatus ensures consistent and high-quality printing on workpieces with curved or irregular surfaces by maintaining optimal nozzle-workpiece distance, reducing interference and ink spreading, and enhancing print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit that emits light for curing the ink ejected from the liquid ejecting unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A three-dimensional object printing apparatus (100) includes a first head (300_1), an energy emitter (380), and a moving mechanism (200). The first head has a first nozzle face in which a nozzle for ejecting liquid is provided. The energy emitter has an emission face from which energy for curing the liquid ejected from the first head is emitted. The moving mechanism changes relative position of the first head and the energy emitter in relation to a three-dimensional workpiece. The moving mechanism includes a linear motion mechanism that changes the relative position of the first head and the energy emitter in relation to the workpiece along a first axis, a first up-and-down mechanism (235_1) that moves the first nozzle face along a second axis intersecting with the first axis, and a second up-and-down mechanism that moves the emission face along the second axis.