Conforming Transfer Component for 3D Article Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for printing on three-dimensional articles, such as inkjet printing and transfer processes, face challenges in achieving high-quality labels due to limitations in applying ink to surfaces with varying heights or complex shapes, resulting in defects and poor print quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for applying a transfer material onto three-dimensional articles using a transfer component with a supported and unsupported portion, where the unsupported portion is modified to match the article's curvature, allowing for precise contact and transfer of the material across the article's surface, including edges, using pressure differentials and conforming to complex geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If inkjet printing is used to print directly on three-dimensional articles, then the printing process can be simplified, but the print quality deteriorates due to inability to accurately jet ink on surfaces with varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer component as an intermediary between the inkjet print head and the three-dimensional article. The transfer component receives the printed image and then transfers it to the article surface, mediating the interaction between the flat print head and the complex three-dimensional surface, thereby maintaining both process simplicity and print quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the printing process into two separate stages: (1) printing the image onto the transfer component, and (2) transferring the image from the transfer component to the article. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently - the printing stage can use standard flat-bed inkjet technology while the transfer stage adapts to the three-dimensional surface
2Manufacturing precision
If current transfer processes are used to transfer images to three-dimensional articles, then the transfer material can be applied, but the process is not well suited for articles with complex three-dimensional shapes and surface features
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer component is designed as a flexible element that can conform to three-dimensional article surfaces. This flexibility allows the transfer component to adapt to complex geometries and surface features, enabling accurate transfer of the image to articles with varying heights and shapes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or contoured transfer components that can match the curvature of three-dimensional article surfaces. By incorporating curvature into the transfer component design, the system can effectively transfer images to spherical, cylindrical, or other curved surfaces while maintaining transfer accuracy
3Manufacturing precision
If the transfer component is sealed to the frame, then the transfer material can be positioned, but the unsupported portion must be modified to match the article's curvature for precise contact
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer component is pre-modified with the appropriate curvature or surface profile before the transfer process begins. This preliminary shaping ensures that when the transfer component contacts the article, the surfaces are already matched, facilitating precise contact and transfer without requiring complex real-time adjustments
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
This approach enables high-quality transfer printing on complex three-dimensional surfaces by ensuring accurate application and adherence of the transfer material, reducing defects and improving print quality on articles with varying heights and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
modifying the unsupported portion of the transfer component to form a transfer component first radius of curvature extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and a transfer component second radius of curvature extending in a direction parallel to the transverse axis
Implementation Method 2
contacting at least a portion of the unsupported portion of the transfer component to the predetermined contact area of the face of the article
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for applying a transfer material onto one or more surfaces of an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of transfer printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed and/or decorated thereby. The apparatuses and methods may include providing a deposition device, such as a printing device; providing a transfer component; depositing a material onto a portion of the transfer component with the deposition device; modifying the portion of the transfer component with the transfer material thereon to conform the transfer component to at least a portion of one or more surfaces of the three-dimensional article; and transferring the transfer material onto the one or more surfaces of the article.