Toy Figure Fixture Alignment for 3D Surface Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack an efficient method for customizing three-dimensional toy figures with unique facial and topographical features using inkjet printing, particularly in aligning and decorating target regions accurately across differently scaled and geometrically varied bodies.
Innovation Solution
A printing system comprising fixtures with plate guides and a printer controller that aligns three-dimensional bodies within printing openings, using unique identification codes to control ink dispensers for precise topographical designs, and detachable connection mechanisms for easy removal post-printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If inkjet printing is used to customize three-dimensional toy figures with unique facial and topographical features, then customization capability is improved, but alignment precision of target regions across differently scaled and geometrically varied bodies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the customization process into separate modules: a printing system for decorative features and a scanning system for capturing three-dimensional body geometry. This segmentation allows each system to specialize in its function, with the printing system receiving pre-processed alignment data from the scanning system, thereby maintaining high customization capability while managing alignment precision challenges through coordinated operation of specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A scanning system acts as an intermediary between the three-dimensional body and the printing system. The scanner captures the body's geometry and provides alignment information to the printing system, enabling the inkjet printer to accurately position decorative features on bodies of varying scales and geometries without requiring the printing system to directly handle the alignment complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixtures are designed to hold three-dimensional bodies for printing, then printing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is designed as a universal holding device that can accommodate three-dimensional bodies of various sizes and geometries through adjustable components. The fixture incorporates a base with positioning mechanisms that can be configured for different body types, allowing a single fixture design to maintain printing accuracy across multiple applications without requiring multiple specialized fixtures, thereby managing complexity through multi-functionality.
3Ease of operation
If connection mechanisms are used to attach three-dimensional bodies to plates, then ease of removal is improved, but connection strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism employs dynamic characteristics, including spring-loaded or resilient elements that provide strong attachment during printing operations but allow easy removal when needed. The mechanism can be configured with adjustable clamping forces or elastic components that maintain robust connection strength during the printing process while enabling simple detachment for post-printing removal, balancing both connection strength and ease of removal through dynamic design features.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes: a plurality of unitary objects each having a unique identification code, a plurality of fixtures arranged on a base, and a printer controller. Each unitary object includes a uniquely-shaped three-dimensional body fixed to a plate by a connection mechanism. Each fixture includes: a fixture block defining a printing opening; and a plate guide defined in the fixture block and configured to receive the plate. A target region of the three-dimensional body is aligned within the printing opening of the fixture block when the plate is fixed within the plate guide. The printer controller is configured to: detect the unique identification code of each unitary object; and control an ink dispenser to print a unique topographical design on each aligned target region of each three-dimensional body, the unique topographical design being associated with the detected unique identification code.