Tactile Surface Printing with Variable Print Head Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional inkjet printing methods for forming tactile features on substrates are inefficient and time-consuming due to the need for multiple printing passes, which can be improved by varying the speed of the print head during a single pass to achieve desired heights and widths.
Innovation Solution
A control unit varies the speed of the print head to form tactile features with different attributes, such as height and width, during a single pass, using a constant print frequency and unit vector mapping to account for complex curvatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple printing passes are used to form tactile features at desired heights, then the height precision is improved, but the printing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the print head speed variable rather than constant. The system dynamically adjusts the print head speed during a single pass based on the desired tactile feature height, allowing the ink to be deposited at different speeds to create varying heights without requiring multiple passes. This resolves the contradiction by enabling height precision through speed modulation rather than repeated printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of print head speed from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted during printing. By modifying the speed parameter in real-time based on the tactile feature requirements, the system achieves different heights in a single pass, eliminating the time-consuming multiple pass process while maintaining height precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the print head speed is reduced to increase tactile feature height, then the height is improved, but the printing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts print head speed locally rather than maintaining a uniformly slow speed across the entire printing area. The print head operates at variable speeds - slower when depositing ink for taller tactile features and faster for shorter features or non-tactile areas - thereby maintaining overall printing efficiency while achieving the required height precision for specific features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the print head speed specific to each location being printed. Different regions of the substrate receive ink at different speeds according to the desired tactile feature characteristics at those locations, rather than using a single speed for the entire print area. This allows height precision to be achieved locally without sacrificing overall printing efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If encoder pulses are used to control print head positioning, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from encoder pulse frequency to direct print head speed control. Instead of using encoder pulses to indirectly control positioning, the system directly controls the print head speed parameter, simplifying the system while maintaining positioning accuracy through direct speed modulation during the printing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system include controlling, by a control unit, a printer to form one or more tactile features on a surface of a component. Said controlling includes varying a speed of a print head of the printer to vary one or more attributes of the one or more tactile features. In at least one example, said varying the speed includes varying the speed of the print head of the printer during a single pass of the print head in relation to the surface of the component.