Kiosk Engraving System with Universal Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object engraving machines are limited in their ability to customize a wide range of objects and inscriptions, are often expensive, and require complex tooling, leading to consumer dissatisfaction due to the inability to inspect the object before customization and potential receipt of inferior quality products.

Innovation Solution

A kiosk-based system that identifies object features, generates customized marking parameters, and applies markings using a flexible, low-cost setup that eliminates the need for specialized fixtures, allowing for real-time viewing and interaction during the customization process, enabling customization of various objects and markings without the need for complex tooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional engraving machines are used with specialized tooling, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengraving precisionVSAvoidtooling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal mounting structure that can accommodate various objects without requiring specialized fixtures. The platen with adjustable positioning and the laser system can handle different object types, sizes, and materials, making the machine multi-functional and eliminating the need for complex specialized tooling for each object type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses software-based parameter adjustment to adapt to different objects. By changing digital parameters such as laser power, speed, focal position, and patterning parameters, the system can optimize engraving precision for various objects without physical modifications to the tooling, thus maintaining precision while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional engraving machines with specialized tooling are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different objects decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengraving precisionVSAvoidobject type flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is designed to be universally applicable to various objects including phone cases, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices. The system can accommodate different sizes, shapes, and materials through software configuration and adjustable positioning, eliminating the need for specialized fixtures for each object type while maintaining engraving precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through software control, allowing real-time modification of engraving parameters, positioning, and focal distance to adapt to different objects. This dynamic flexibility enables the system to maintain precision across various object types without requiring physical reconfiguration of specialized tooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If customized products are ordered online, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization optionsVSAvoiddelivery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows customers to select and preview their customizations in real-time at the kiosk before the engraving process begins. This preliminary selection and visualization capability enables immediate customization without the need for online ordering and extended delivery wait times, while ensuring the customer can see and approve the design before production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The kiosk system enables customers to independently select customization options, preview the design, and initiate the engraving process themselves without requiring online ordering or external coordination. This self-service approach eliminates delivery time delays and allows immediate fulfillment of customized products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If customized products are ordered online, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to inability to inspect quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization optionsVSAvoidproduct quality assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays a real-time preview of the customization on the actual object at the kiosk, allowing the customer to inspect the design, positioning, and appearance before the engraving process begins. This preliminary visualization ensures quality assurance by enabling customer approval before production, eliminating the risk of receiving undesired or inferior quality products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate visual feedback by projecting or displaying the customized design onto the actual object, allowing the customer to see the exact result before engraving. This feedback mechanism ensures quality assurance by enabling real-time verification and adjustment, giving customers confidence in the product quality before commitment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system provides instant product gratification, entertainment, and ease of use by allowing consumers to select and preview customizations, ensuring high-quality results on a variety of objects with flexible and cost-effective object customization.

Implementation Method 1

A laser system may include a laser head with a controller configured to control operation of the laser head, and a z-axis motor configured to move the laser head upwards and downwards along a z-axis to set a focal distance for marking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser