Multi-Dimensional Printing Device With Orthogonal Guide Tracks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for printing on multidimensional objects face issues with rigidity, motion errors, and limited versatility due to static deformation and complex mechanisms, failing to meet high-precision requirements for a variety of objects.

Innovation Solution

A device with a gantry-shaped frame, featuring three orthogonal guide tracks and carriages for precise movement, combined with adjustable tool carriers and optional axes of rotation, allowing for a stable and adaptable printing system capable of handling diverse objects with high accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-axis articulated robots are used to guide objects or print heads, then the device can handle complex three-dimensional printing tasks, but the lack of rigidity causes motion errors due to static deformation and vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle complex three-dimensional printing tasksVSAvoidmotion accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a rigid gantry structure for positioning, a separate object carrier for holding objects, and a tool carrier for holding processing tools. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently - the gantry provides rigid positioning while the object carrier handles complex orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the print head along complex articulated paths, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the tool carrier stationary and moving the object carrier along simple linear guide tracks. This eliminates the need for complex robot kinematics while achieving the same printing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-axis articulated robots are used for printing, then three-dimensional object printing is enabled, but motion inaccuracies of the drives accumulate and increase total error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional object printing capabilityVSAvoidmovement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adds a vertical dimension to the positioning system with the gantry structure, allowing the object carrier to move along X, Y, and Z axes independently on linear guide tracks. This dimensional approach replaces complex multi-axis robot movements with simpler linear movements in each dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex mechanical articulated robot system is replaced with a combination of linear guide tracks and direct drives. This substitution eliminates the accumulation of mechanical errors from multiple articulated joints while maintaining three-dimensional positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If a rotation-symmetric object carrier with rotating object and moving print head is used, then printing on compact objects is achieved, but the device requires complex bearing and complex ink supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capability on compact objectsVSAvoidbearing and ink supply complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the object and moving the print head in complex coordinated motion, the invention keeps the tool carrier stationary and moves the object carrier along linear paths. This inversion eliminates the need for complex bearings and ink supply systems while achieving the same printing results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Manufacturing precision

If a rotation-symmetric object carrier is used for printing on compact objects, then precise printing is achieved, but the versatility is limited to very compact objects only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting precision on compact objectsVSAvoidobject size range

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The object carrier is designed with a universal gripping mechanism that can accommodate objects of various sizes and shapes. The linear guide track system allows the object carrier to reach different positions and orientations, making the device versatile for printing on everything from compact objects to larger items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9744776B2Device for printing on multi-dimensional objects

Publication Date: 2017.08.29 ABB ROBOTICS SCHWEIZ AG

AI summary

A device for printing on multi-dimensional objects includes an object carrier for holding and moving the object to be printed on, a tool carrier for receiving stationary processing tools, and a frame to which the tool carrier is fixed. The object carrier has three guide tracks which are disposed perpendicular to one another and each of which is oriented along a respective axis of movement. Carriages are movable on the guide tracks for executing a translatory movement of the object relative to the stationary processing tools. The device may have a modular construction, allowing the device to be adapted to a variety of objects to be printed on.