Universal Printing Chase for Contoured Object Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for printing on curved, non-planar, or non-linear surfaces are costly and inefficient due to the need for custom object holders and separate printing processes, which require additional resources and time, and often necessitate packaging removal for printing, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple print heads and a printing chase with alignment elements and an actuator that allows for accurate registration of the object holder, enabling printing on multi-dimensional objects without custom holders and allowing for printing in their original packaging by determining the position of printable areas and controlling the movement of the printing chase relative to the print heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom object holders are designed and made for each object or batch to be printed, then printing accuracy and object stability are improved, but manufacturing cost and storage space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal object holder design that can accommodate multiple different objects and batches without requiring custom holders for each. The holder uses adjustable clamping mechanisms and positioning features that adapt to various object shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for specialized holders while maintaining printing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The object holder incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities including movable clamps, adjustable positioning elements, and reconfigurable support structures. These dynamic features allow the holder to adapt its configuration for different objects during the same printing session, providing both versatility and precision without customization
2Ease of operation
If packaging is removed for printing on the object, then printing access is improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The object holder is designed to accommodate objects with their original packaging intact. The holder's universal design includes open configurations and adjustable clamping that allow print heads to access printable surfaces on packaged objects, eliminating the need to remove packaging while maintaining printing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The object holder acts as an intermediary between the packaged object and the print heads. It provides stable support and positioning for the packaged object while allowing the print heads to reach the printable areas through strategically positioned nozzles and adjustable angles, enabling printing without packaging removal
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate printing systems are used for packaging material and objects, then printing flexibility is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the object holding function with the packaging support function into a single integrated system. The object holder is designed to securely hold packaged objects while positioning them for printing, combining what were previously separate functions into one unified device that reduces overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for printing on a multi-dimensional object includes a plurality of print heads, and a printing chase comprising one or more alignment elements configured to provide accurate registration of an object holder (also configured as an object packaging) relative to the print heads. The system further includes an actuator configured to move the printing chase relative to the print heads. The system is configured to receive information corresponding to an alignment element that is employed for positioning the object holder on the printing chase, determine a position a printable area using the retrieved information, receive information relating to print data to be printed on the printable area, use the determined position of the printable area to control a movement of the printing chase relative to the print heads, and operate the print heads to eject marking material onto the printable area to print data on the printable area.