Direct Printing on Oblique Substrate Sides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing technologies on solid surfaces, such as walls and countertops, struggle to directly print patterns on the sides of substrates without requiring intermediate steps like sublimation, which increase manufacturing time and may result in lower quality finishes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows for direct printing on both the main and side surfaces of solid substrates using an array of printing heads, capable of orienting and adapting to oblique or curved surfaces in a single pass, eliminating the need for transitional layers and simplifying the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional printing methods are used on solid surfaces, then the main surface can be printed, but the side surfaces remain perpendicular to the printer head and are not exposed to the printing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension to the printing system by enabling the printer head to rotate around the substrate. This allows the printing surface to transition from a fixed horizontal plane to multiple orientations including vertical and oblique side surfaces, effectively adding a dimensional degree of freedom to the printing process
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the orientation of the printing head relative to the substrate during the printing process. The printer head can rotate and reposition itself to match the angle of side surfaces, transforming a static printing setup into a dynamic one that adapts to various surface geometries
2Adaptability or versatility
If sublimation printing with intermediate layers is used to print on side surfaces, then side surfaces can be printed, but manufacturing time increases and quality may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate sublimation layer from the printing process. By using a direct printing mechanism that can rotate to access side surfaces, the system removes the unnecessary intermediate step while maintaining the ability to print on oblique surfaces, thereby reducing manufacturing time and simplifying the process
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a sublimation layer as an intermediary, the patent employs a rotational mechanism as the intermediary between the horizontal printer and vertical/oblique surfaces. This mechanical intermediary allows direct contact printing on side surfaces without requiring material transfer through an intermediate layer
3Device complexity
If the printer head remains horizontal, then the printing mechanism is simple, but side surfaces perpendicular to the main surface cannot be printed
Solution Approach 1:
The printing head is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both horizontal and rotated orientations. This universal design allows the same printer mechanism to handle both main surface printing and side surface printing, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment while expanding the total printable area
Data Source
AI summary
A system for manufacturing structural members with coated main and side surfaces, the system comprising at least one structural member having at least one main surface; at least one side surface which is obliquely oriented relative to the main surface; and a coating apparatus operative, in a single pass over the structural member, to deposit at least one coating on said at least one structural member including said at least one main surface and said at least one side surface.