3D Printing on Curved Objects via Dynamic Gripper Manipulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current printing technologies are limited in their ability to print on three-dimensional objects, particularly curved surfaces, as they require the object to be maneuvered into a parallel plane, restricting the degrees of freedom and making it difficult to print on objects like cylindrical shapes.

Innovation Solution

A printing system comprising a first and second member, extensible members, grippers, and actuators that position a portion of the 3D object in a plane parallel to the printhead, allowing for the movement and rotation of the object to accommodate curved surfaces, enabling printing on cylindrical objects by manipulating the object's position relative to the printhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the object is maneuvered to present a parallel plane to the printhead, then printing can be performed on the object, but the degrees of freedom for the object are restricted and curved objects cannot be printed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to print on curved objectsVSAvoidrestriction of degrees of freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic manipulation of the object during the printing process. The object is held by movable manipulators that can adjust the object's position and orientation in real-time, allowing curved surfaces to be dynamically presented to the printhead at the correct angles for printing, rather than requiring the object to be statically positioned in a parallel plane

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from 2D printing on flat surfaces to 3D printing on curved surfaces by introducing multiple degrees of freedom in object manipulation. The manipulators can position and orient the object in three-dimensional space, allowing the printhead to print on surfaces that are curved or cylindrical rather than limited to parallel planes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If previously known systems move the 3D object to enable printing, then some printing can be achieved, but the degrees of freedom for the object are very restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capability on various object shapesVSAvoidrestriction of movement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulator system is designed with universal functionality to handle various object shapes and sizes. The multiple manipulators working in coordination can manipulate objects with different geometries (flat, curved, cylindrical) by providing comprehensive positional and orientational control, making the system adaptable to diverse printing applications without restricting object movement freedom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9789701B1System and method for printing on a three-dimensional (3D) curved object

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A printing system includes a first member and a second member. The second member is positioned parallel to the first member. The system further includes a first extensible member and a second extensible member. The system further includes a first gripper and a second gripper. One end of the first extensible member is mounted to the first member and the other end of the first extensible member is mounted to the first gripper. One end of the second extensible member is mounted to the second member and the other end is mounted to the second gripper. A controller operates a first actuator operatively connected to the first and second extensible members.