Nested Object Printing via Spindle Engagement and Protuberance Conveyor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are inadequate for printing on three-dimensional objects nested in a stacked configuration, as they require individual removal and processing, which is inefficient for non-production environments needing customized products with short print runs.
Innovation Solution
A printing system comprising multiple printheads, a conveyor with protuberances, a spindle for reciprocal movement, and a controller to selectively engage and move nested objects one at a time for printing, allowing for efficient printing of nested 3D objects by positioning and ejecting marking material onto the objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If objects are kept in nested stacked configuration for storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but individual object removal and printing becomes time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the nested stack into individual objects using a conveyor with protuberances that separate objects one at a time, allowing efficient individual processing while maintaining compact storage configuration
Solution Approach 2:
A spindle acts as an intermediary device that engages with the orifice of individual objects, enabling selective removal and positioning of objects from the nested stack for printing without requiring complete unstacking
2Manufacturing precision
If individual objects are removed from nested stack for printing, then printing quality is improved, but the process complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle serves multiple functions: engaging objects, removing them from the stack, positioning them for printing, and releasing them after printing, simplifying the overall system despite the complexity of processing nested objects
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor with protuberances automatically separates and feeds individual objects to the spindle without requiring manual intervention, maintaining printing quality while reducing operational complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If short print runs are performed on nested objects, then inventory management is improved, but the time required for individual object processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
Objects are pre-positioned in a nested stack configuration, allowing the system to quickly access and process individual objects on demand without requiring time-consuming setup for each short print run
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor operates periodically to advance the nested stack and present individual objects to the spindle for printing, enabling efficient handling of variable print run lengths
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A printer includes a conveyor that feeds objects from a stack of nested objects to the printer. The conveyor includes a member having protuberances that extend from the member to hold the lips of objects in the stack except for the object closest to the printheads in the printer. A spindle mounted to a member is moved to be within an orifice of the object closest to the printheads to engage that object and pull it from the stack. The spindle rotates to facilitate the printing of the object. After the object is printed, it is released from the spindle and gravity directs the printed object along a ramp to an opening in the printer for collection.