Spherical Object Printing via Dual-Wheel Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current printing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently printing on spherical objects due to complexity and mechanical failures associated with multiple vector components required for manipulating print heads, leading to increased mechanical parts and control complexity.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus utilizing two wheels that rotate around a single axis, coupled with a mechanical arm and a controller, allows for 360-degree manipulation of spherical objects using only two vector components, enabling a fixed print head to print on all surfaces of the object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 6 vector components are used to manipulate the print head around the spherical object, then comprehensive coverage of the object surface is achieved, but device complexity and mechanical failure risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage of object surfaceVSAvoidnumber of mechanical parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the print head around the spherical object using multiple vector components, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the print head fixed and rotating the spherical object itself. This inversion reduces the complexity from 6 vector components to just 2 wheels rotating around a single axis, while still achieving comprehensive surface coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The two wheels serve multiple functions: they support the spherical object, rotate it to different orientations, and position it for printing. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate mechanical components and vector control systems, simplifying the overall device while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vector components are used to manipulate the print head, then printing on all surfaces is enabled, but control scheme complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting coverageVSAvoidcontrol scheme

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control complexity is reduced by inverting the control target: instead of controlling 6 vector components to move the print head, the system controls just the rotation of two wheels. This simpler control scheme still enables comprehensive printing coverage on the spherical object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If a suction arm with single axis rotation is used, then mechanical complexity is reduced, but printing coverage on the spherical object is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of mechanical partsVSAvoidprinting coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds rotational capability in another dimension by using two wheels that can rotate the spherical object around a single axis. This dimensional approach to rotation, combined with the fixed print head, achieves comprehensive surface coverage without requiring complex multi-axis mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9688078B1Method and apparatus for printing on a spherical object

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 XEROX CORP

AI summary

An apparatus, method and non-transitory computer readable medium for printing on a spherical object are disclosed. For example, the apparatus includes a print head, at least two wheels, wherein each one of the at least two wheels rotates around a single axis, at least one ball support coupled to a mechanical arm, wherein the at least one ball support rotates 360 degrees around and is positioned to secure the spherical object against the at least two wheels and a controller in communication with the print head and the at least two wheels to rotate the spherical object via the at least two wheels into a position to print via the print head.