公开(公告)号：US20240208255A1

公开(公告)日：2024-06-27

申请号：US18087505

申请日：2022-12-22

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Shane E. Arthur ,  John E. Miller ,  Matthew Mellin ,  Kjersta Larson-Smith ,  Anthony Baker ,  Luke Ingram ,  Steven Dorris ,  Jonathan Schwedhelm ,  Mark Bunker ,  Ryan Petz ,  Travis King ,  Matt Christner ,  Josiah Brubaker ,  Ryan Siok ,  Wendy Zaballos ,  Jesse Castleberry

IPC: B41J29/02 ,  B41J25/34

CPC classification number: B41J29/02 ,  B41J25/34

Abstract: An end effector for printing ink on a surface is disclosed. The end effector comprises a primary block comprises a primary-block body. A plurality of primary-printing modules are coupled to the primary-block body and translationally moveable, via a corresponding first actuator. Each one of the primary-printing modules includes at least one printhead which is adjustable, relative to the primary-block body. The printhead may be adjusted by at least one of a second actuator, configured to rotate the printhead about a first axis, or a third actuator, configured to rotate the printhead about a second axis. In some examples, a fourth actuator is configured to rotate at least one printhead, relative to at least one other printhead, about a third axis. Additionally, at least one trailing block can be coupled to the primary block so that the at least one trailing block is movable relative to the primary block.

公开(公告)号：US20240198703A1

公开(公告)日：2024-06-20

申请号：US18082334

申请日：2022-12-15

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Shane E. Arthur ,  John E. Miller ,  Matthew Mellin ,  Kjersta Larson-Smith ,  Anthony Baker ,  Luke Ingram ,  Steven Dorris ,  Jonathan Schwedhelm ,  Mark Bunker ,  Ryan Petz ,  Travis King ,  Jesse Castleberry ,  Matt Christner

IPC: B41J25/00 ,  B41J3/407

CPC classification number: B41J25/001 ,  B41J3/4073

Abstract: An end effector and associated systems and methods for printing ink on a surface is disclosed. The end effector comprises a main block including a back plate. The end effector also includes a plurality of slice assemblies slidably coupled to the back plate. Each one of the plurality of slice assemblies includes a printhead and a y-actuator. The y-actuator is selectively operable to extend and retract the printhead, parallel to a y-axis in first directions, and relative to the back plate. The end effector further includes a plurality of z-actuators coupled to the back plate. Each one of the plurality of z-actuators is selectively operable to extend and retract a corresponding one of the plurality of slice assemblies, parallel to a z-axis in second directions, which is perpendicular to the y-axis and relative to the back plate.