Rotary Pad Printing Machine for 3D Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pad printing machines often result in cuts or discontinuities when printing on three-dimensional objects with volume, such as footwear soles or platforms, due to limitations in applying continuous printing across multiple sides.

Innovation Solution

A pad printing machine with a rotary configuration that includes a frame with a supporting element, a rotary pad, and an inkwell, along with a rotary support that secures the object to be printed, allowing for continuous and minimally interrupted printing through synchronized rotary movement of the pad and object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a traditional pad printing machine is used to print on three-dimensional objects with volume, then the printing process can be completed, but cuts or discontinuities appear in the printing on multiple sides

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting continuityVSAvoidmachine configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transforms the traditional stationary pad printing mechanism into a dynamic system where both the pad and the object rotate. The pad rotates around its own axis while simultaneously rotating around the object, and the object rotates on a rotary support. This dynamic configuration enables continuous printing across multiple sides of three-dimensional objects without cuts or discontinuities, directly resolving the technical contradiction between printing precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces rotational movement in multiple dimensions. The pad performs rotation around its own axis (first dimension) and simultaneously rotates around the object (second dimension), while the object rotates on the rotary support (third dimension). This multi-dimensional rotational approach enables continuous printing coverage on complex three-dimensional surfaces, transforming the printing process from linear/planar to spatial and volumetric

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If printing is performed on objects with volume requiring multiple sides, then complete coverage is achieved, but cuts appear in the printing continuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting continuityVSAvoidprinting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements continuous rotational movement of the pad and object during the printing process. The pad continuously rotates around the object while maintaining contact, and the object continuously rotates on the rotary support. This continuous motion eliminates the need to stop and reposition between sides, ensuring uninterrupted printing coverage and maintaining high productivity while achieving complete printing continuity on multi-sided objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3473445B1Pad printing machine
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 ANALCO AUXILIAR CALZADO
  • EP3473445B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3473445B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pad printing machine (1), of the type comprising a frame (2) including a supporting element (3) for an image plate (4), a rotary pad (5), and an inkwell (6) for inking the pad (5), as well as comprising a rotary support (7) provided with rotary means for securing the object (8) to be pad printed.