Compressible Gripper Ring for Tubular Object Printing Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems for tubular objects require complex connections to power sources like vacuum or compressed air for holding devices, limiting design efficiency and throughput due to the need for permanent supplies.
Innovation Solution
A printing system utilizing a radially compressible gripper ring that securely engages tubular objects with a mechanical restoring force, eliminating the need for permanent electrical or air connections, allowing for efficient and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum or compressed air services are used to retain containers on holding devices, then reliable container holding is achieved, but complex connections and supply systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device uses its own weight and gravitational force to retain containers on its surface, eliminating the need for external vacuum or compressed air services. The device serves itself by using inherent physical properties (gravity and friction) rather than requiring complex supply connections.
2Use of energy by moving object
If permanent supply connections are provided to holding devices, then continuous power supply is ensured, but design flexibility is limited to simple geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device operates passively using gravity and friction, requiring no permanent power connections. This enables flexible printing machine geometries including complex three-dimensional paths, curved trajectories, and variable-speed conveyance that would be impossible with rigid vacuum or pneumatic connections.
3Use of energy by moving object
If rotating couplings and unions are used for power supply connections, then continuous service delivery is maintained, but apparatus size and throughput efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating the need for rotating couplings and unions, the holding device enables faster container handling and printing operations. The passive gravitational holding allows for quicker acceleration, decelereration, and direction changes, improving overall printing throughput and reducing apparatus size.
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
Enables efficient printing apparatuses without design constraints from complex connections, reducing manufacturing and operating costs while maintaining secure object handling during the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
the radially compressible portion exerts a radially outward mechanical restoring force when compressed
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system for printing on an outer surface of a tubular object is provided. The printing system comprises at least one printing station for printing on the outer surface of the tubular object (100); and at least one holding device for holding the tubular object during a printing process. The holding device comprises: a substantially annular gripper ring (200) adapted to be partially inserted into a tubular object. The gripper ring comprises a radially compressible portion (201) configured to securely engage with an inner surface of the tubular object. The radially compressible portion exerts a radially outward mechanical restoring force when compressed.