Adjustable Printing Pallet for Digital Textile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pallet solutions for digital textile printing machines are not scalable, modular, or accurate enough to accommodate various garment sizes and shapes, requiring frequent manual replacement and are costly due to complex mechanical features, which complicates operation and increases storage and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pallet with automated mechanisms that allow for manual or digital adjustment of size and shape to maintain high tolerance levels for digital printing, comprising multiple panels that move along defined paths to form a flat surface, and include actuators for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized pallets are provided for different garment sizes and shapes, then the printer can accommodate all applications, but the device complexity and storage requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into multiple independent panels that can be individually adjusted. Each panel can move independently along defined paths, allowing the pallet to be reconfigured for different garment sizes without requiring multiple complete pallets. This segmentation enables a single pallet structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized pallets.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet incorporates automated mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of panel positions and orientations. The pallet transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where panels can be repositioned automatically based on the garment size and shape requirements, enabling versatility without multiplying the number of pallets needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms are used, then the pallet can be modified for different sizes, but the weight and difficulty of manipulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with automated actuation systems. The patent employs automated mechanisms that can adjust panel positions without requiring manual manipulation of heavy components. This substitution reduces the effective weight burden on operators while maintaining the adaptability of the pallet structure.
3Device complexity
If manual pallet replacement is required for different garment sizes, then simple pallet structures can be used, but the productivity and time efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple panel arrangements within the single pallet structure, allowing rapid transition between different garment size configurations. The panels are positioned and constrained along defined paths that enable quick reconfiguration without manual intervention, effectively performing the adjustment action in advance of the actual printing need.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated adjustment mechanisms enable the pallet to reconfigure itself without external manual intervention. The system performs its own adjustment function through integrated actuators and control systems that automatically reposition panels according to the required garment size, eliminating the need for operator involvement in pallet changes.
4Manufacturing precision
If high precision flatness and parallelism are maintained during adjustment, then digital printing requirements are met, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses precision requirements by introducing defined paths for panel movement that constrain adjustment to specific geometric trajectories. By moving panels along predetermined paths rather than allowing free movement, the system maintains flatness and parallelism tolerances through geometric constraint rather than complex active control mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An adjustable pallet for digital printing comprises a flat printing surface having a flatness tolerance and a parallelism tolerance, the printing surface formed by at least two separable portions, which portions are configured to separate and re-engage while retaining said flatness tolerance and said parallelism tolerance. The tolerance may be maintained by using a defined mechanical path for moving the portions.