Multi-Location Golf Ball Image Stamping with UV Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for printing images on golf balls are not cost-effective and efficient, particularly in ensuring durability and consistency across multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple stages of stamping and curing with ultraviolet ink, including priming and applying a clear coat, specifically using TRUVIS STAMP, MAIN STAMP, and CLEAR COAT processes to ensure durability and efficiency in printing images at multiple locations on a golf ball.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stamping is performed directly on the ball surface, then durability of the image is improved, but the process complexity increases with multiple stamping and curing stages required
Solution Approach 1:
The stamping process is divided into multiple separate stations, each performing a specific function (stamping, curing, priming, clear coat application). This segmentation allows each station to be optimized independently while maintaining overall process durability and managing complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball surface is primed before stamping to prepare it for better ink adhesion, and clear coat is applied after stamping to protect the image. These preliminary and subsequent actions enhance durability without requiring changes to the core stamping mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple stamping stations are used to print at multiple locations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to repeated transfers and curing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The golf ball is continuously transferred through multiple stations without stopping, with each station performing its function in sequence. The ball rotates or moves through the stamping and curing stations in a continuous flow, minimizing idle time and maintaining production momentum while achieving precise multi-location imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The stamping stations are designed to accommodate the dynamic movement of the golf ball, with adjustable positioning mechanisms that can adapt to the ball's rotation or movement through the production line, ensuring precise image placement despite the continuous flow nature of the process.
3Reliability
If ultraviolet ink and curing is used, then durability and quality are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Curing is performed in periodic intervals at discrete stations rather than continuously. The ball receives UV curing at specific points in the process (after initial stamping, after pole stamping, after clear coat), allowing the system to consume energy only when necessary rather than maintaining continuous curing, thus reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining image durability.
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 method effectively prints images at multiple locations on a golf ball while addressing durability issues, ensuring a cost-effective and efficient process for producing high-quality golf balls with aerodynamic patterns.
Implementation Method 1
curing the golf ball with the image at a plurality of locations at the curing station using ultraviolet energy to generate a cured golf ball with the image at a plurality of locations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for printing an image at multiple positions on a golf ball is disclosed herein. The plurality of locations for the image is preferably ten. The image is preferably a pentagon. The image is alternatively a hexagon or a circle.