Three-dimensional printing along a curved surface
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorsTodd A. Waatti, Yoav Sterman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for printing onto a curved surface of an article are disclosed. An embodiment of a method may include receiving the article and extruding a composite yarn from a nozzle. A method may include attaching the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle in a direction aligned with a first axis and a direction aligned with second axis along the curved surface. The first axis may be approximately normal to the print surface and the second axis may be approximately normal to the first direction. The article may be repositioned during printing to accommodate nozzle movement.
Claims21
An apparatus for printing onto a curved surface of an article, the apparatus comprising:
- a housing, the housing including a base disposed along the bottom of the housing;
- a nozzle configured to discharge a composite yarn onto the curved surface;
- a first actuating system configured to move the nozzle, wherein the first actuating system moves the nozzle along a direction aligned with a vertical axis, the vertical axis extending normal to a surface of the base, and wherein the first actuating system moves the nozzle along a direction aligned with a first horizontal axis, the first horizontal axis being approximately parallel with respect to the base;
- the apparatus being configured to attach the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle downward toward the curved surface in a direction aligned with the vertical axis;
- the apparatus being configured to attach the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle in a direction aligned with the first horizontal axis;
- and
- a second actuating system configured to rotate the article, wherein the second actuating system rotates the article about a second horizontal axis, the second horizontal axis being approximately parallel with respect to the base.
An apparatus for printing onto a curved surface of an article, the apparatus comprising:
- a housing, the housing including a base disposed along the bottom of the housing;
- a nozzle configured to discharge a composite yarn onto the curved surface;
- a first actuating system configured to move the nozzle, wherein the first actuating system moves the nozzle along a direction aligned with a vertical axis, the vertical axis extending normal to a surface of the base, and wherein the first actuating system moves the nozzle along a direction aligned with a first horizontal axis, the first horizontal axis being approximately parallel with respect to the base;
- the apparatus being configured to attach the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle downward toward the curved surface in a direction aligned with the vertical axis;
- the apparatus being configured to attach the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle in a direction aligned with the first horizontal axis;
- a second actuating system configured to adjust the position of the article with respect to the nozzle, wherein the second actuating system moves the article along a direction parallel to the vertical axis, and wherein the second actuating system moves the article along a direction parallel to the first horizontal axis;
- the apparatus being configured to facilitate the attachment of the composite yarn to the curved surface of the article by moving the article in a direction parallel to the vertical axis;
- and
- the apparatus being configured to facilitate the attachment of the composite yarn to the curved surface of the article by moving the article in a direction parallel to the first horizontal axis.
An apparatus for printing onto a curved surface of an article, the apparatus comprising:
- a housing, the housing including a base disposed along the bottom of the housing;
- a nozzle configured to discharge a composite yarn onto the curved surface;
- a first actuating system configured to move the nozzle, wherein the first actuating system moves the nozzle along a direction aligned with a vertical axis, the vertical axis extending normal to a surface of the base, and wherein the first actuating system moves the nozzle along a direction aligned with a first horizontal axis, the first horizontal axis being approximately parallel with respect to the base;
- the apparatus being configured to attach the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle downward toward the curved surface in a direction aligned with the vertical axis;
- the apparatus being configured to attach the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle in a direction aligned with the first horizontal axis;
- and
- a second actuating system comprising an adjustable gripping member configured for rotating the article relative to the nozzle and the base.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.