Recirculating Conveyor for 3D Inkjet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet printing technologies struggle to achieve high-quality label formation on three-dimensional articles, with single pass apparatuses being faster but producing lower quality prints compared to multi-pass systems, and existing methods fail to effectively print on complex surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a recirculating conveyor system to create non-linear motion between three-dimensional articles and a deposition device, allowing for multiple passes and enabling high-speed, high-quality printing on curved and complex surfaces using inkjet print heads or other deposition devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single pass printing apparatus is used, then printing speed is improved, but printing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The printing process is segmented into multiple passes, with each pass depositing a portion of the final image. The article is conveyed through the printing zone multiple times, allowing different segments of the print head to contribute to different portions of the final printed pattern, thereby achieving high quality while maintaining continuous production flow
Solution Approach 2:
The printing process maintains continuous operation without stopping or indexing the article. The recirculating conveyor keeps articles moving continuously through the printing zone across multiple passes, eliminating idle time associated with traditional multi-pass indexing systems and maintaining continuous deposition of material
2Manufacturing precision
If multi-pass indexing system is used, then printing quality is improved, but printing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates indexing stops between passes by using a recirculating conveyor that maintains continuous motion. Articles flow continuously through the printing zone multiple times without halting, allowing the print head to deposit material continuously across multiple passes without the speed loss associated with traditional indexing mechanisms
3Device complexity
If traditional printing apparatus is used, then simplicity is maintained, but ability to print on complex surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic recirculating conveyor system that can accommodate articles of various shapes and sizes. The conveyor path and article positioning are designed to handle complex geometries, allowing articles to be presented to the print head in optimal orientations during each pass, thereby enabling printing on three-dimensional and irregular surfaces
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 method enables efficient and high-quality printing on three-dimensional articles at rates up to 60 articles per minute, improving print quality and speed compared to existing technologies by allowing multiple passes without the need for indexing motions, thus overcoming the limitations of single and multi-pass systems.
Implementation Method 1
a substance deposition device (26) located adjacent to the path of travel (P)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for depositing a substance onto an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of directly printing on three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed thereby or having a substance deposited thereon. In some cases, the apparatuses and methods involve creating a re-circulating relative motion between at least one article and a substance deposition device. In some embodiments, the articles can be conveyed in a closed loop path past one or more substance deposition devices. The articles can be conveyed past the substance deposition device(s) one or more times, and during each pass by the substance deposition device(s), a portion of a predetermined pattern may be applied to the articles by the substance deposition device(s).