3D Object Surface Treatment via Vacuum-Conforming Flexible Member

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for printing on 3D objects face issues with ink adherence and durability due to irregular manual application of surface treatments, which can irritate skin and result in inconsistent image quality.

Innovation Solution

An automated object treatment system comprising a chamber, a flexible member, actuators, and a controller that applies a chemical to the flexible member, creates a vacuum to conform the member to the object's surface, and then releases the vacuum to allow the treated object to be removed for printing, ensuring consistent and durable image application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual application of chemical treatments is used, then the process is simple and low-cost, but the application consistency and image quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of treatment processVSAvoidapplication consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the object's own surface geometry to guide the treatment process. The flexible member conforms to the object surface, and the object itself directs the chemical application through its shape, eliminating the need for complex automated positioning systems while ensuring consistent coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible treatment member (such as a flexible roller or film) is used to apply the chemical treatment. This flexible member can conform to the three-dimensional surface geometry of the object, ensuring uniform application across complex shapes without requiring rigid mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Device complexity

If manual application of chemical treatments is used, then the equipment complexity is low, but the image durability and quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidimage durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a vacuum chamber to hold the object in a fixed position during treatment. By using vacuum pressure, the object is securely positioned without mechanical clamps or fixtures, ensuring consistent treatment application while maintaining equipment simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Manufacturing precision

If chemical treatments are applied with tight tolerances (0.5 to 5 μm), then the image quality and durability improve, but the difficulty of application increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication toleranceVSAvoidapplication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible treatment member naturally conforms to the object surface with high precision, achieving the required 0.5 to 5 μm tolerance through material compliance rather than mechanical precision. This makes the process easy to operate while maintaining high application accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Manufacturing precision

If automated treatment systems are implemented, then the application consistency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication consistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a vacuum chamber to create a controlled environment for treatment application. This simple environmental control ensures consistent application conditions without requiring complex automated positioning or delivery systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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

The system improves image quality and durability on 3D objects by providing a controlled and consistent application of surface treatments, eliminating manual application irregularities and skin irritation risks.

Implementation Method 1

operate the vacuum source to produce a vacuum within the interior volume of the chamber and move a portion of the surface of the flexible member into engagement with a surface of an object within the interior volume of the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS10457070B2System for treating the surfaces of three-dimensional (3D) objects prior to printing the surfaces

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

An object surface treatment system facilitates the treatment of articles of manufacture before they are printed. The system includes a chamber having walls and a lid configured to close the chamber, a flexible member mounted to the lid of the chamber, a vacuum source operatively connected to an interior volume of the chamber, and a plurality of actuators. A controller is configured to operate the actuators and vacuum source to move the applicator to apply a chemical to the flexible member, move the lid to close the chamber, produce a vacuum within the chamber and move a portion of the surface of the flexible member into engagement with a surface of an object within the chamber, cease operation of the vacuum source to enable the flexible member to return to a position adjacent the lid, and remove the lid from the chamber for removal of the object from the chamber.