Printing Apparatus Sensor Array for Random Object Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face challenges in efficiently and accurately depositing fluid droplets on objects that are randomly placed or irregularly shaped, requiring complex alignment and registration systems, which increases hardware complexity and cost, and limits the ability to print on deformable or asymmetrical objects.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a conveyor system and a sensor array that detects object positions in both process and cross-process directions, allowing for the creation of virtual representations and delayed drop ejection, enabling printing on randomly placed objects without alignment, using a single datapath and reducing hardware requirements, and allowing for overlapping images and asymmetrical orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment and registration systems are used to print on randomly placed objects, then printing accuracy is improved, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the object's position and orientation by capturing its projection onto a 2D plane using a sensor array. This virtual model allows the system to calculate precise drop ejection coordinates without requiring complex physical alignment hardware, thereby achieving printing accuracy while reducing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment and registration systems with an optical sensing system. Instead of using mechanical guides, stoppers, or registration marks that physically align objects, the system uses a sensor array to detect object positions and orientations, substituting mechanical complexity with optical detection and computational processing
2Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment systems are implemented, then printing precision on irregular objects is improved, but the ability to print on deformable or asymmetrical objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic sensing system that can detect objects in various orientations and positions on the conveyor. The sensor array captures the projected image of objects regardless of their orientation, and the system dynamically calculates the appropriate drop ejection coordinates based on the detected position and orientation data, enabling precise printing on deformable or asymmetrical objects without requiring them to be in a fixed orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal printing system that can handle various object types (regular shapes, irregular shapes, deformable objects, asymmetrical objects) using the same sensor array and processing methodology. The system universally applies the principle of projecting objects onto a 2D plane and calculating coordinates based on detected positions, making it adaptable to any object geometry without requiring type-specific alignment mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple datapaths are used to handle different object positions and orientations, then printing accuracy is improved, but hardware requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handling of different object positions and orientations into a single datapath by using a sensor array that captures projection data for all objects simultaneously. The system processes all detected objects through a unified coordinate transformation algorithm that adjusts drop ejection coordinates based on each object's detected position and orientation, eliminating the need for separate datapaths for different object types while maintaining printing accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for efficient printing on randomly placed objects without the need for expensive alignment equipment, reducing hardware complexity and enabling printing on deformable or asymmetrical items by using a single datapath and overlapping images, thus enhancing printing flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A piezoelectric actuator has a layer of piezoelectric material, which changes geometry, or bends, in response to an applied voltage. The bending of the piezoelectric layer pressurizes ink in a pumping chamber located along the ink path.
Implementation Method 2
a sensor array that substantially spans the conveyor in a cross-process direction that is perpendicular to the process direction, the sensor array being configured to detect a position of the object in the process direction and cross-process direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A printing apparatus including a conveyor capable of moving an object in a process direction, a drop ejection device, a sensor array that substantially spans the conveyor in a cross-process direction that is perpendicular to the process direction, the sensor array being configured to detect a position of the object in the process direction and cross-process direction, and a controller configured to receive position data about the object from the sensor array and to cause the drop ejection device to deposit fluid droplets on the object based on the position of the object on the conveyor.