Object Rotating Subsystem for 3D Printing Circumference Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Direct-to-object (DTO) printers struggle to print images on the entire circumference of rounded objects due to the fixed vertical configuration of printheads, which limits the ability to cover the curved surface effectively.

Innovation Solution

A 3D printing system with an object rotating subsystem that includes a chuck and actuator to grip and rotate the object, allowing printheads to print a portion of the circumference longer than their width, enabling coverage of most or all of the object's circumference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If fixed vertical printheads are used in DTO printers, then the printhead structure is simple and stable, but the printable circumference length is limited to the printhead width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprintable circumference coverageVSAvoidprinthead configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the object rotate during the printing process. Instead of having fixed printheads that can only print within their width, the object rotates to bring different portions of its circumference past the printhead, enabling printing of a circumference much longer than the printhead width. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between maintaining simple fixed printhead structure and achieving extended printable circumference coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If multiple printheads are arranged vertically to increase printable area, then the device complexity increases, but the printable circumference remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprintable surface areaVSAvoidprinthead arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by introducing temporal dimension (rotation over time) to the printing process. Instead of increasing spatial arrangement of printheads vertically, the system uses rotational movement to sequentially present different portions of the object's circumference to the printhead, effectively expanding the printable area through time-based dimension rather than adding more printheads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the object is rotated during printing, then the printable circumference is extended, but the device complexity increases due to adding actuators and controllers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircumference coverageVSAvoidrotating subsystem
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing the rotating subsystem to serve multiple functions: it holds the object, rotates it at controlled speeds, positions it accurately for printing, and can pause or adjust rotation during printing. This multi-functional rotating subsystem resolves the contradiction by achieving extended circumference coverage while consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism rather than requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10214026B1System and method for rotating a three-dimensional (3D) object during printing of the object
Publication Date: 2019.02.26 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US10214026B1 patent drawing
  • US10214026B1 patent drawing
  • US10214026B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A direct-to-object printer includes an object rotating subsystem. The object rotating subsystem includes an actuator with an output shaft, a holder mounted to the output shaft, the holder being configured to grip a portion of the object, and a controller operatively connected to the actuator. The controller is configured to operate the actuator to rotate the holder and the object gripped by the holder to enable at least one of the printheads in a printer to print a portion of a circumference of the object that is longer than a width of the at least one printhead.