Spring-Loaded Sliding Bars for 3D Board Printing Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printers face difficulties in printing on three-dimensional articles such as skateboards, snowboards, and surfboards due to the challenge of securing and stabilizing these contoured surfaces relative to the printing apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A board platen device with spring-loaded sliding bars and alignment pins is used to securely hold and align three-dimensional boards, allowing for precise printing by accommodating various sizes and shapes through bidirectional sliding mechanisms and self-alignment features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional flat printing apparatus is used, then printing on flat articles is simple and effective, but printing on three-dimensional boards becomes difficult due to inability to secure and align the boards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to print on different article typesVSAvoiddifficulty to secure and align boards

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs spring-loaded sliding bars that can dynamically adjust their position along the board edges. The springs allow the bars to move outward when a board is inserted and then automatically return to apply securing pressure, providing adaptive retention without manual adjustment. This dynamic mechanism enables the device to accommodate various board sizes while maintaining secure alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The securing mechanism is divided into separate functional components: side plates for lateral support, sliding bars for edge engagement, and springs for applying securing force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more effective at securing three-dimensional boards while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If boards of various sizes and shapes are accommodated, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for adjustable mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various board sizes and shapesVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable securing mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded sliding bars are designed to automatically perform their securing function without external intervention. When a board is inserted, the springs naturally push the sliding bars outward to engage the board edges, and the alignment pins automatically position themselves. This self-service mechanism achieves versatile accommodation of various board sizes while minimizing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device accommodates various board sizes by allowing the sliding bars to change their position along the board edges. The springs provide variable securing pressure that adapts to different board dimensions, and the alignment pins adjust their engagement depth based on board thickness, enabling parameter-based adaptation without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If spring-loaded sliding bars are used to secure boards, then board retention is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboard retention and positioning stabilityVSAvoidnumber of mechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded sliding bars serve multiple functions simultaneously: they secure the board edges, provide alignment guidance, and apply consistent pressure during the printing process. The alignment pins similarly perform both positioning and securing functions. This multi-functionality improves reliability while minimizing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The springs act as intermediary elements that translate the insertion motion into securing pressure. Rather than requiring complex locking mechanisms, the springs mediate between the simple act of inserting a board and the reliable retention needed for printing, improving reliability through a simple elastic intermediary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables effective printing on diverse board types by ensuring stable and secure positioning, accommodating different sizes and shapes, and facilitating the application of customized graphics on exposed surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a first spring-loaded sliding bar coupled to the first side plate that has a first channel for receiving a first edge of the board and a second spring-loaded sliding bar coupled to the second side plate that has a second channel for receiving a second edge of the board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9956788B2Devices and methods for printing on boards

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 STITCH CITY IND

AI summary

A device of the present disclosure has a board reception plate coupled on a first side to a first side plate and coupled on a second side to a second side plate, and the board reception plate is adapted for supporting a board. The apparatus further has a first spring-loaded sliding bar coupled to the first side plate that has a first channel for receiving a first edge of the board and a second spring-loaded sliding bar coupled to the second side plate that has a second channel for receiving a second edge of the board.