Conformable Gripper Ball for Universal 3D Printing Object Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies require unique, custom-made grippers for each object, leading to high design and production costs and reduced productivity due to the complexity of adapting 2D printing techniques for 3D objects in non-production environments.
Innovation Solution
A universal gripper system utilizing a granulated, conformable ball gripper with a flexible subassembly that secures and aligns objects, allowing for the use of a single gripper to handle various types of objects by conforming to their shape and stabilizing them for printing, which can then be easily integrated into a printer carriage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom-made grippers are used for each object, then the object can be securely held for printing, but the design and production costs increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single conformable gripper ball that can hold multiple different 3D objects instead of requiring custom grippers for each object type. The gripper ball's conformable nature allows it to adapt to various object shapes, achieving secure holding for diverse objects with one universal tool, thereby eliminating the need for multiple custom gripper designs and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the gripper ball's physical state between conformable and rigid. The ball contains granular material that can shift to conform to object contours during approach, then lock into place to provide rigid holding during printing. This dynamic parameter change allows the same gripper to securely hold different objects without requiring custom designs for each.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom-made grippers are designed for each object, then the object can be precisely positioned, but the design complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper ball changes its rigidity parameter dynamically - remaining conformable during approach to adapt to the object shape, then transitioning to a rigid locked state during positioning and printing. This parameter change simplifies the design by using one gripper structure for all objects while maintaining high positioning accuracy through the locking mechanism that secures the object in the correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The conformable gripper ball performs self-positioning by automatically conforming to the contours of different objects during the approach phase. This self-adaptation eliminates the need for complex custom-designed positioning features for each object type, as the gripper ball itself adjusts to provide proper alignment and positioning through its conformable granular structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If 2D printing techniques are adapted for 3D objects, then printing can be performed on 3D surfaces, but the system complexity increases due to the need for object maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The conformable gripper ball serves multiple functions: it holds the object securely, positions it accurately, and maintains it steady during the printing process. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system by consolidating object handling operations into a single versatile gripper, reducing the complexity of object maneuvering systems while maintaining the ability to print on various 3D surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper ball's transition from conformable to rigid state provides stable object holding during printing, eliminating the need for complex active maneuvering systems. The parameter change locks the object in the correct position and orientation, allowing 2D print heads to efficiently deposit material on 3D surfaces without requiring continuous object adjustment or complex handling mechanisms.
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
The universal gripper system reduces the need for custom grippers, lowers production costs, and increases productivity by enabling efficient printing on a variety of 3D objects with a single, adaptable solution, suitable for non-production environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one granulated comfortable ball gripper... with a flexible subassembly that secures and aligns objects, allowing for the use of a single gripper to handle various types of objects by conforming to their shape
Implementation Method 2
stabilizing them for printing... enables efficient printing on a variety of 3D objects with a single, adaptable solution
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing, holding and aligning an object in a rigid subassembly include a conformable gripper ball. The gripper ball having the capability to conform to an object and then hold the object after contact. The conformability of the gripper ball is changed with air pressure to allow the gripper ball to hold the object. The gripper ball is mounted onto a rigid frame, which can then be docked into a loading station of a printer that prints on 3-D objects. With the addition of a vision system, the gripper assembly could be used with alignment markings on the loading station to allow manual alignment of the object to the rigid subassembly prior to loading into the printer.