Multi-Color Golf Ball Printing via Pad Carousel Stamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for printing images on golf balls cannot efficiently print multiple colors in a single cycle.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple stamping stations with pad carousels, curing stations, and reorienting stations that allows golf balls to be stamped, cured, and reoriented multiple times to apply multiple colors in a sequence of stamping and curing processes across different orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple colors are printed on a golf ball using prior art methods, then each color requires a separate printing cycle, but this increases production time and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is divided into multiple stamping stations (first stamping station, second stamping station, third stamping station, fourth stamping station), each equipped with pad carousels that can apply different colors. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-color printing in a single cycle, eliminating the need for multiple sequential printing cycles and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces reorienting stations between stamping stations that rotate the golf balls to different orientations. This dimensional change in the printing process allows stamps to be applied at multiple locations and angles on the golf ball surface during a single cycle, enabling complex multi-color patterns that would otherwise require multiple separate printing cycles.
2Productivity
If multiple stamping stations are used to print multiple colors in a single cycle, then printing efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple stamping stations, curing stations, and reorienting stations are merged into a single integrated printing system that processes golf balls in one continuous cycle. The pad carousels at each stamping station are synchronized to apply different colors simultaneously, and the curing stations are positioned to cure each color immediately after application. This merging of functions into one coordinated system achieves multi-color printing in a single cycle without requiring multiple separate printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad carousels at each stamping station are pre-configured with stamps for different colors and positions. The reorienting stations are pre-programmed with specific rotation angles and timing to position the golf balls correctly for each subsequent stamping operation. This preliminary preparation of stamp configurations and orientation sequences allows the complex multi-color printing process to execute smoothly in a single cycle without requiring complex real-time decision-making.
3Manufacturing precision
If golf balls are reoriented between stamping operations, then complex patterns and multi-color designs can be achieved, but the process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reorienting stations are positioned between stamping stations in a continuous flow arrangement, allowing golf balls to be rotated to precise orientations and immediately transferred to the next stamping station without interruption. The rotation mechanisms are synchronized with the stamping cycle timing, so that reorientation occurs during the natural transition between stamping operations rather than adding separate time intervals. This continuous flow approach maintains manufacturing precision while minimizing additional process time.
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
Enables cost-effective and efficient printing of multiple colors on golf balls by ensuring proper alignment and stamping through the use of 45-degree cams and fixtures, allowing for complex patterns and multi-color designs in a single cycle.
Implementation Method 1
transferred the golf ball to a first curing station. The method also includes curing at the first stamped golf ball at the first curing station
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for printing an image at multiple locations on a golf ball is disclosed herein. The printing station comprises a plurality of stamping stations, each of the plurality of stamping stations comprising a pad carousel comprising a plurality of pads, a plurality of curing stations, and a plurality of reorienting stations.