Applicator Device Pressure Control for Elastic Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manual scanning-type printing devices face challenges in accurately applying ink to application surfaces with varying elasticity and curvature, as they struggle to maintain optimal contact pressure, leading to inconsistent ink application and potential nozzle obstruction.

Innovation Solution

An applicator device equipped with pressure sensors and a processor that detects contact pressure and movement, controlling ink application based on predetermined pressure ranges to ensure correct contact and prevent excessive force or weakness, thereby ensuring accurate and consistent ink deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the applicator device is pressed harder to maintain contact with the target, then contact reliability is improved, but nozzle obstruction and printing mistakes increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact reliabilityVSAvoidnozzle obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pressure sensors to detect contact pressure between the applicator device and target in real-time, feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the driving unit's output to maintain pressure within a predetermined optimal range, preventing both loss of contact and nozzle obstruction from excessive pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the contact pressure parameter by controlling the driving unit's motor output based on pressure sensor feedback. By changing the pressure parameter within an optimal range rather than maintaining constant high pressure, the system achieves reliable contact while preventing nozzle obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the contact pressure is increased to ensure proper contact, then application accuracy is improved, but the risk of printing mistakes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication accuracyVSAvoidprinting mistake rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Pressure sensors provide real-time feedback on contact pressure to the control unit, which adjusts the driving unit to maintain pressure within an optimal range. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate ink application while preventing printing mistakes caused by excessive pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system preemptively prevents printing mistakes by monitoring contact pressure before mistakes occur. The pressure sensor detects when pressure approaches problematic levels and the control unit adjusts the driving unit in advance to maintain pressure within the safe optimal range, preventing both contact loss and printing errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If manual scanning is used to apply droplets, then device complexity is reduced, but contact pressure control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidcontact pressure control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manual scanning device performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through integrated pressure sensors and a control unit. The sensor detects contact pressure and the control unit automatically adjusts the driving unit's motor output, enabling the simple manual device to achieve precise pressure control without requiring complex external equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical pressure control with an automated electro-mechanical control system. Pressure sensors and a control unit with motor control substitute for purely manual operation, enabling precise pressure measurement and adjustment while maintaining the simplicity of manual scanning operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device effectively applies ink to surfaces with elasticity, such as skin or rubber, by preventing excessive pressure that could cause nozzle obstruction, ensuring precise and mistake-free printing by maintaining optimal contact pressure.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor that measures a strength of contact of the applicator device against the application target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

detecting movement of the applicator device on the target, and controlling, when the value is within a set range, the print head to apply the droplet on the target based on the detected movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMovement detection and control:

Data Source

PatentUS10953650B2Applicator device, application method, and non-transitory recording medium

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

An applicator device includes a print head that applies droplets to a target, and a processor. The processor is configured to acquire a value relating to a contact of the applicator device against the target, detect movement of the applicator device on the target, and control, when the value is within a set range, the print head to apply droplets on the target based on the detected movement.