Magnetic Levitation Printing for Contoured 3D Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies struggle to effectively print on three-dimensionally shaped or contoured surfaces, such as those found on curved surfaces of articles, without the use of complex mechanical or magnetic levitation systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing magnetic levitation of a mover with a holder for securing an article, combined with an array of tiles with energizable coils to produce an electrical field, allowing for six degrees of motion and precise positioning of the article relative to print heads, including print stations, curing stations, vision stations, and treatment stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical actuators are used to move containers for printing, then controlled movement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuators with a magnetic field system. Tiles with embedded magnets create magnetic fields that levitate and control the movement of the container without mechanical contact, eliminating complex mechanical linkages while achieving precise controlled movement for printing operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex transport devices are used to move containers and tools, then work on containers is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field system serves multiple functions: it transports the container, orients it precisely, and enables various operations (printing, inspection, treatment) to be performed on the container surface. This single magnetic levitation platform replaces what would otherwise require separate complex transport and positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the stationary tiles and the moving container, enabling contactless control and manipulation of the container for various operations without requiring complex mechanical transport devices
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 direct printing on complex surfaces with high precision and flexibility, allowing for variable motion, independent control of each mover, and simultaneous processing of multiple surfaces, while maintaining consistent speed and quality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of tiles each comprising energizable coils for producing an electrical field for effecting the at least one magnet in the mover to controllably float the mover about the plurality of tiles
Implementation Method 2
magnetically levitating the mover away from the plurality of tiles
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for direct printing on a three dimensional article includes a plurality of print stations, each print station comprising a print head for delivering ink; a mover having a holder for securing a three dimensional article and at least one magnet; and a plurality of tiles each comprising energizable coils for producing an electrical field for effecting the at least one magnet in the mover to controllably float the mover about the plurality of tiles; where the plurality of print stations are proximal to at least some of the tiles in the plurality of tiles; and where the mover is configured to have six degrees of motion relative to the plurality of tiles to position a portion of the surface of the three dimensional article proximally normal to the print head. The system may further include curing stations, vision or inspection stations, and/or pre-treatment stations.