3D Printing System Automates Print Medium Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for replicating three-dimensional objects with surface patterns using articulated robots lack user-friendliness, making it difficult to efficiently select and use appropriate print media, leading to increased time and effort, and potential printing errors.
Innovation Solution
A printing system comprising a scanner to scan three-dimensional objects, a server to select a corresponding print medium based on scan data, and a printer to form patterns on the selected medium, optimizing the selection process by matching shape and color for accurate replication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual selection of print medium is used, then user control over print medium selection is maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects the appropriate print medium based on scan data of the three-dimensional object, eliminating the need for manual selection by the user. The scanner captures geometric and surface pattern information, which is then processed to automatically determine the suitable print medium, making the system self-serve the selection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical selection process is replaced by an automated information processing system. The scanner and processing unit substitute for manual user judgment and selection actions, using digital data processing to determine the appropriate print medium based on object characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If automated print medium selection is implemented, then user-friendliness and selection speed improve, but measurement and detection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy (scan data) of the three-dimensional object's surface patterns and geometry. This digital representation is then processed to determine the appropriate print medium, avoiding the need for direct physical measurement and comparison during the selection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner performs preliminary scanning of the three-dimensional object to capture all necessary geometric and surface pattern information before the selection process begins. This preliminary data collection simplifies subsequent processing and enables automated decision-making.
3Manufacturing precision
If print medium selection is optimized for shape and color matching, then replica accuracy improves, but the risk of printing errors increases if selection is incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses scan data feedback from the scanner to continuously verify and confirm the selected print medium matches the three-dimensional object's characteristics. This feedback loop ensures the selection is accurate before printing begins, reducing the risk of errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning and analysis before the actual printing process to identify and prevent potential selection errors. By verifying the match between scan data and selected print medium in advance, the system cushions against the risk of printing errors.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system including: a scanner configured to scan a pattern on a surface of a three-dimensional object; a selection section configured to select a three-dimensional print medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object in accordance with scan data; and a print section configured to form a pattern on a surface of the selected print medium in accordance with the scan data to replicate the three-dimensional object.