Inkjet Printing Jig With Cured Ink Protrusions for Accurate Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing jigs for inkjet printing are costly to produce and lack flexibility in accommodating various shapes and sizes of objects, leading to potential print misalignment, especially for small and intricately designed timepiece components.
Innovation Solution
A printing jig with protrusions formed by inkjet printing on a sheet or plate, which are designed to match the shape and size of the object, providing precise positioning and fixation, allowing for accurate alignment and reducing the need for custom-made jigs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional metal jigs are used for fixing objects during inkjet printing, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 3D printing to create positioning protrusions that replicate the exact shape and dimensions of the object's positioning features. Instead of manufacturing custom metal jigs for each object, the system creates digital models and prints positioning structures that are copies of the object's geometric features, achieving accurate positioning at lower cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing method from traditional metalworking to additive 3D printing. This parameter change in the manufacturing process allows for rapid prototyping and production of positioning jigs without expensive tooling, while maintaining the required positioning accuracy through digital model precision
2Manufacturing precision
If custom metal jigs are manufactured for each object shape, then positioning accuracy is improved, but adaptability to various shapes and sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where positioning protrusions can be easily modified by updating the digital 3D model and reprinting. This allows the jig to adapt to different object shapes and sizes without permanent reconfiguration, providing versatility while maintaining positioning accuracy through precise digital modeling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal positioning system based on digital models that can accommodate various object types. The same 3D printing platform and methodology can generate positioning structures for different geometries, making the system multi-functional and adaptable across diverse printing applications
3Ease of operation
If objects are not fixed during inkjet printing, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning stability and print alignment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs positioning protrusions that automatically guide objects into correct positions through geometric interlocking. The object's own shape features serve as the positioning mechanism, eliminating the need for complex external fixing devices while ensuring accurate alignment during printing
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 flexible production of printing jigs that ensure accurate positioning and alignment of objects during inkjet printing, minimizing print misalignment and reducing production costs by using the same printer for both jig formation and object printing.
Implementation Method 1
a printing jig which supports an object to be printed and is placed in an inkjet-type printer when the object is being printed
Implementation Method 2
the protrusion is made of deposited and cured ink used by the inkjet-type printer
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
AI summary
Provided are a printing jig that can be easily manufactured in accordance with the shape and size of a material to be printed and that is capable of positioning the material to be printed accurately with respect to an ink jet type printer, and a method for manufacturing a printed material using the same. The printing jig is a printing jig that supports a material to be printed, and that is provided inside an ink jet type printer when printing is performed on the material to be printed. The printing jig comprises: a mounting surface on which the material to be printed is mounted; and a positioning part for positioning the material to be printed, the positioning part being constituted by a convex part formed in advance on the mounting surface so as to contact at least a part of the material to be printed when the material to be printed is mounted on the mounting surface. The convex part is formed of stacked and cured layers of ink used in the ink jet type printer.