A System, a Vertical Axis Mechanism and a Production Method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for printing edible images on flowable-matter substrates face issues with vertical motion and spillage, which can lead to system malfunction and maintenance challenges due to wetting of components.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tray, printing assembly, vertical-axis mechanism, coupling mechanism, and cover, where the cover blocks spillage from wetting the axis mechanism, and the coupling mechanism includes a tenon that slides along a slit for vertical movement, with a processor controlling the motion assembly to manage tray positioning between loading/unloading and printing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the tray is moved vertically along the axis for printing operation, then the printing precision and substrate positioning are improved, but the flowable-matter substrate may spill and wet the axis mechanism causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the flowable-matter substrate and the axis mechanism. The cover blocks spillage from reaching the axis mechanism while allowing the vertical movement to continue, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining printing precision and preventing system malfunction
Solution Approach 2:
The cover extracts or isolates the axis mechanism from the harmful environment created by potential spillage. By creating a protective barrier, the axis mechanism is taken out from the risk zone, allowing the printing operation to proceed with high precision without compromising system reliability
2Reliability
If the cover completely encloses the axis mechanism to prevent spillage, then the reliability is improved, but the vertical motion capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented or designed with openings that allow vertical motion while maintaining protection against spillage. The segmented structure enables the axis mechanism to move vertically for printing operations while the cover continues to block spillage, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and motion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cover design incorporates dynamic elements that adapt to the vertical motion of the axis mechanism. The cover moves or adjusts with the axis mechanism during vertical translation, maintaining protective function while enabling full range of motion required for printing operations
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a tray (44), a printing assembly (22), an axis mechanism (10), a coupling mechanism (88) and a cover (54). Tray (44) configured for placing thereon a sample (70) including a first flowable-matter substrate (FMS) (69). Printing assembly (22) configured to print an image of edible substance on a second FMS layer (68) formed on first FMS (69). Axis mechanism (10) configured to control a distance (41) between sample (70) and printing assembly (22) by moving tray (44) with sample (70) along a vertical axis. Coupling mechanism (88) configured to couple between axis mechanism (10) and tray (44). Cover (54) configured to cover axis mechanism (10). Cover (54) has a front surface (77) that faces sample (70), and configured to block a spillage of at least one of the first and second FMSs (69, 68) from wetting the axis mechanism (88).