Semi-Circular Clamp Holder for Crease-Free Sublimation Wrapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for wrapping and taping sublimation paper on cylindrical objects like tumblers result in sub-optimal imprinted designs due to creases or folds, leading to poor quality.

Innovation Solution

A substrate deposition holding apparatus with gripping pads and clamping mechanisms to securely wrap and tape sublimation paper around cylindrical objects, ensuring no creases or folds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual wrapping and taping method is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to creases and folds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimprint qualityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into two semi-circular members that can be separated and recombined, allowing the device to be opened for substrate insertion and closed for secure holding. This segmentation enables both precision holding and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Gripping pads are introduced as intermediary elements between the semi-circular members and the substrate. These pads provide the actual gripping force while protecting the substrate, enabling precise holding without direct metal-to-substrate contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If secure holding is implemented, then manufacturing precision improves by preventing creases, but ease of operation worsens due to complex clamping mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate wrapping precisionVSAvoidwrapping process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping pads are merged with the semi-circular members, eliminating the need for separate clamping devices. The gripping function is integrated directly into the holding structure, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping pads are pre-positioned on the semi-circular members before the wrapping process begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the substrate is immediately secured in the correct position once inserted, preventing creases without requiring complex real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If gripping pads are added, then manufacturing precision improves through better substrate control, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate positioning accuracyVSAvoidapparatus component count
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping pads serve multiple functions: they provide gripping force, protect the substrate from damage, and ensure proper positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while achieving precise substrate control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12583081B2Substrate deposition holding apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.03.24 PLYMOUTH CREATIVE PRODUCTS LLC
  • US12583081B2 patent drawing
  • US12583081B2 patent drawing
  • US12583081B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A clamp-shaped substrate deposition holding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first semi-circular member and a second semi-circular member. A second semi-circular member distal end may be pivotally attached to a first semi-circular member distal end, which may enable the first and second semi-circular members to move between a closed position and an open position. The apparatus may further include a first holding arm disposed on a first semi-circular member proximal end and a second holding arm disposed on a second semi-circular member proximal end. A first holding arm longitudinal axis and a second holding arm longitudinal axis may be disposed at a predefined angle relative to each other when the first and second semi-circular members may be in the closed position. The apparatus may further include first and second gripping pads disposed on first and second semi-circular member interior surfaces.