3D Object Printing Path Control for Uniform Curved-Surface Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional object printing apparatuses using inkjet methods on curved surfaces often result in overlapping regions with low-quality images due to uneven liquid droplet distribution caused by non-parallel vector movements between the head and the workpiece.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a control mechanism that adjusts the relative position and posture between the workpiece and the head through specific paths, setting overlapping widths and angles to minimize uneven liquid distribution by ensuring the angle between vector movements is greater for some overlapping regions than others, thereby optimizing droplet alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the printing region is divided into multiple regions and printed using a robot with inkjet method, then the ability to print on curved surfaces is improved, but image quality deteriorates in overlapping regions due to uneven liquid droplet distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of overlapping regions versus non-overlapping regions. Specifically, the control portion adjusts the ejection timing of the head based on whether the current printing position is in an overlapping region or not. In overlapping regions, the head waits for a predetermined time after the previous head's ejection before ejecting, while in non-overlapping regions, the head ejects immediately. This localized temporal differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring uniform liquid distribution in overlapping regions while maintaining efficient printing in non-overlapping regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the head ejection timing adaptive rather than fixed. The control portion dynamically adjusts the ejection timing based on the relative positions of the head and workpiece, and whether the current position is in an overlapping region. This dynamic adjustment of timing parameters allows the system to maintain optimal printing conditions across varying geometric configurations, resolving the contradiction between printing on curved surfaces and maintaining image quality.
2Area of stationary object
If the head moves along a path to print on a curved surface, then the coverage area is improved, but liquid droplet distribution becomes uneven in overlapping regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the head wait for a predetermined time after passing through an overlapping region before the next head begins ejection in that same region. This advance timing adjustment ensures that liquid droplets from the first head have fully settled and distributed before the second head ejects its droplets in the overlapping area. This preliminary waiting period prevents uneven distribution while maintaining continuous coverage, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and droplet uniformity.
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 enhances image quality by reducing uneven liquid droplet distribution and minimizing white spots, resulting in improved printing quality on curved surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a head having a plurality of nozzles that eject a liquid to a printing region on a workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional object printing apparatus executes a first printing operation in which a liquid is ejected into a first band region and a second printing operation in which the liquid is ejected into a second band region. When an angle formed by a vector at a first position in a first path and a vector at a second position in a second path is set as a first angle and an angle formed by a vector at a third position in the first path and a vector at a fourth position in the second path is set as a second angle, the first angle is more than the second angle, and a width in which the first band region overlaps with the second band region at the first position is less than a width in which the first band region overlaps with the second band region at the third position.