3D Object Printing With Robot-Motion Timing Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional object printing apparatuses suffer from ink droplet misalignment due to motion errors of the robot arm, leading to reduced print quality.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional object printing apparatus equipped with a liquid discharge head, an articulated robot, and a detector that detects motion, utilizing a control section to acquire velocity information and control ink discharge timing based on this information to synchronize the motion of the liquid discharge head and the articulated robot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the robot arm moves the liquid discharge head to print images, then the printing capability is achieved, but motion errors cause ink droplet misalignment and reduced print quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint qualityVSAvoidmotion accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a detector to monitor the actual position and velocity of the liquid discharge head during robot arm movement, feeding this information back to the control section. The control section then adjusts the ink discharge timing based on this feedback to compensate for motion errors, ensuring accurate print quality despite robot arm inaccuracies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control section dynamically changes the ink discharge timing parameter based on detected velocity information of the liquid discharge head. By adjusting this parameter in real-time according to actual motion conditions, the system compensates for motion errors and maintains precise ink droplet placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the ink discharge timing is controlled based on velocity information from motion detection, then ink droplet alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detector and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink droplet alignmentVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a detector to provide real-time velocity feedback of the liquid discharge head, enabling the control section to adjust ink discharge timing dynamically. This feedback mechanism improves ink droplet alignment by compensating for motion variations without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex mechanical positioning mechanisms to ensure precise ink droplet placement, the system substitutes a detection and control approach. The detector monitors motion, and the control section adjusts discharge timing electronically, replacing potential mechanical complexity with a more flexible sensor-based control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4617072A1Three-dimensional object printing apparatus and printing method
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4617072A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4617072A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4617072A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A three-dimensional object printing apparatus includes: a liquid discharge head (3) that discharges a liquid toward a work; an articulated robot (2) that changes a position of the liquid discharge head relative to the work, the articulated robot having a tip end that supports the liquid discharge head; a detector (2a1) that detects motion of the liquid discharge head in a scanning direction; and a control section that controls the motion of the liquid discharge head and motion of the articulated robot. The control section acquires velocity information regarding a velocity of the liquid discharge head, based on a detection result of the detector and controls an ink discharge timing of the liquid discharge head, based on the velocity information.