Pivoting Printhead Subsystem for Irregular Object Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing direct-to-object (DTO) printers struggle to print images on ovoid or irregularly-shaped objects as the surface of these objects cannot be fully accessed due to the fixed vertical configuration of printheads, limiting the ability to print on all or most of the object's surface.

Innovation Solution

A 3D object printing system with a frame and printheads that can be pivoted and translated to accommodate the shape of the object, allowing for flexible orientation and positioning of the printheads to enable printing on all or most of the surface of ovoid or irregularly-shaped objects, using a combination of actuators and a controller to manage the movement and material ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If printheads are arranged in a fixed vertical configuration, then the structure is simple and stable, but the ability to print on ovoid or irregularly-shaped objects is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to print on ovoid or irregularly-shaped objectsVSAvoidprinthead configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printhead assembly is made dynamically adjustable through a pivoting mechanism that allows the printheads to change their orientation angle relative to the object surface. This enables the fixed vertical printhead configuration to adapt to curved surfaces of ovoid objects by adjusting the pivot angle, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and printing adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If printheads are fixed in orientation, then the device is simple to operate, but complete image coverage on ovoid surfaces cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface coverage capabilityVSAvoidprinthead positioning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a controller that automatically manages the pivoting mechanism to position the printheads at appropriate angles for printing on ovoid surfaces. This automation eliminates the need for manual positioning by the operator, maintaining ease of operation while achieving complete surface coverage through dynamic angle adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple printheads are arranged vertically, then printing productivity is improved, but the ability to access all surfaces of ovoid objects is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to object surfaceVSAvoidprinting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertically arranged printheads are equipped with a pivoting mechanism that allows the entire assembly to rotate about a pivot point. This enables the multi-printhead configuration to access different portions of ovoid surfaces by adjusting the pivot angle, maintaining both productivity (through multiple printheads) and surface accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10226951B1System and method for pivoting a printhead in a direct-to-object printer during printing of an object

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A direct-to-object printer includes a printhead pivoting subsystem. The printhead pivoting subsystem includes an actuator that rotates a frame in which a plurality of printheads is mounted. This rotation pivots the printheads about a pivot position to enable the printheads to change orientation with reference to a surface of an object being printed to accommodate contours of the object.