3D Imprinting Positioning Means for Deformable Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices struggle to achieve high-quality patterning on deformable or non-uniform three-dimensional articles, such as containers, due to inconsistent distance between printing means and the surface, leading to suboptimal print quality.
Innovation Solution
A device with a positioning means that adjusts the surface of the three-dimensional article to a predetermined distance from the printing means, using stop elements or contactless magnetic positioning, ensuring consistent and precise application, allowing for high-quality patterning even on deformable or non-uniform surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a generic device for imprinting workpieces is used, then high-quality patterns can be produced on uniform workpieces, but the desired quality cannot be achieved on deformable or non-uniform workpieces due to inconsistent distance between printing means and surface
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a movable printing means that can adjust its position dynamically to maintain a constant distance from the surface of deformable or non-uniform workpieces. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying surface geometries while preserving pattern quality, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the actual distance between the printing means and the workpiece surface in real-time, feeding this information back to a control system. The control system then adjusts the printing means position accordingly, ensuring consistent pattern quality across uniform and deformable surfaces through closed-loop control.
2Manufacturing precision
If positioning means with stop elements are added to maintain predetermined distance, then print quality improves on deformable articles, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with contactless magnetic positioning means. Magnetic fields generate positioning forces without physical contact, eliminating the need for intricate mechanical stop elements and reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to hold the printing means at a predetermined distance for high-quality printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state or form of the positioning mechanism by using magnetic fields instead of mechanical contacts. This parameter change from mechanical to electromagnetic interaction simplifies the device structure while achieving the same positioning function necessary for consistent print quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise application or positional detection by sensors is required, then print quality improves, but operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning means, particularly the magnetic positioning system, automatically maintains the predetermined distance between the printing means and workpiece surface without requiring manual intervention or complex operational procedures. The system self-regulates through magnetic forces, simplifying operation while ensuring consistent print quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-establishes the optimal printing distance through the positioning means before the actual printing process begins. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during operation, simplifying the operational process while ensuring print quality from the start.
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 solution ensures high-quality patterning on deformable or non-uniform articles by maintaining an optimal distance between the printing means and the surface, simplifying operation and design, and allowing for precise positioning and adaptation to various article dimensions, resulting in improved print quality and reduced wastage by enabling late-stage customization of containers.
Implementation Method 1
positioning means which is configured to bring the surface to be imprinted of the three-dimensional article into a predetermined relative relationship to, in particular a predetermined distance from, the printing means
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for imprinting a three-dimensional article, in particular a container and/or workpiece, and comprises utilizing a printing means, in particular an ink-jet printing means, for imprinting a surface of the three-dimensional article, and a conveyor means for bringing about a relative movement between the printing means and the three-dimensional article to be imprinted. The method according to the invention is characterised in that it further utilizes a positioning means which is configured to bring the surface to be imprinted of the three-dimensional article into a predetermined relative relationship to, in particular a predetermined distance from, the printing means.