Advanced Digital Molding for Custom Manufacturing
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method for three-dimensionally printed molds for manufacturing articles such as footwear. However, the original invention had limitations in terms of layer adhesion, warping, and uniformity of properties. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing advanced features and capabilities, such as variable speed gantry movement, dynamic ink composition changes, and real-time temperature control, to enhance the performance and customization of the digital molding process.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present invention provides a significant improvement over the original patent by introducing advanced features and capabilities that enhance the performance and customization of the digital molding process. The variable speed gantry movement, dynamic ink composition changes, and real-time temperature control are novel and non-obvious features that address the limitations of the original invention.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different types of printing nozzles, molds, or ink compositions to achieve specific properties or characteristics in the printed article. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, or medical devices, to create customized articles with unique properties.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced digital molding system has significant commercial potential in the footwear industry, as well as in other industries, such as aerospace, automotive, or medical devices. The system's ability to create customized articles with enhanced properties makes it an attractive solution for companies looking to improve product performance, reduce production costs, and increase customer satisfaction.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A43 | A43B1/14 |
| A | A43 | A43B3/34 |
| A | A43 | A43B13/04 |
| A | A43 | A43B17/003 |
| A | A43 | A43B17/14 |
| A | A43 | A43B23/0215 |
| A | A43 | A43D1/00 |
| A | A43 | A43D1/02 |
| A | A43 | A43D999/00 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/112 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/209 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/336 |
| B | B29 | B29C64/393 |
| B | B29 | B29D35/00 |
| B | B29 | B29D35/12 |
| B | B33 | B33Y10/00 |
| B | B33 | B33Y30/00 |
| B | B33 | B33Y50/02 |
| B | B33 | B33Y70/00 |
| A | A43 | A43B5/00 |
| A | A43 | A43D2200/60 |
| B | B29 | B29K2075/00 |
| B | B29 | B29K2105/04 |
| B | B29 | B29K2713/00 |
| B | B29 | B29L2031/50 |
| B | B33 | B33Y80/00 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Additive manufacturing and digital fabrication technologies, specifically focused on 3D printing of complex articles with variable material properties, with emphasis on footwear and customized manufacturing processes
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in advanced manufacturing techniques, materials science, robotic printing systems, and digital design with knowledge of polymer chemistry, thermal processing, and parametric manufacturing strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core digital molding methodology, leveraging known techniques in additive manufacturing to introduce controlled material gradients and dynamic printing parameters that enhance article performance through incremental technical modifications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,023 |
|---|---|
| Title | Digital molding and associated articles and methods |
| Assignee(s) | Kornit Digital Technologies Ltd. |