Elastic Netting Object Holder for Direct-to-Object Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct-to-object print systems face challenges in securely retaining objects during printing, as they require effective object holders that can maintain stability and positioning for precise ink deposition on objects with non-negligible depth, such as coffee cups and bottles.
Innovation Solution
The object holder employs a shuttle mount with elastomeric threads that form an elastic netting to securely hold objects, allowing them to be manually expanded around the object, and can be configured with magnets for additional retention, while an actuator moves the object holder past a printhead for precise ink application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid holder structure is used to securely retain objects, then object retention stability is improved, but adaptability to objects of varying shapes and sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic netting structure made of flexible threads that can conform to objects of varying shapes and sizes. The netting is configured to be manually expanded around the object and secured to the shuttle mount, providing secure retention while adapting to different object geometries. This flexible membrane approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through elastic tension while achieving versatility through geometric adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The object holder transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system. The elastic netting can be manually expanded and contracted, allowing it to adapt to different object sizes and shapes during operation. This dynamic behavior enables the same holder structure to securely retain various objects by adjusting its configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible netting structure is used to adapt to various objects, then adaptability is improved, but object retention stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The object holder combines rigid and flexible elements into a composite structure. The shuttle mount provides a rigid foundation for stable movement and positioning, while the elastic netting provides flexibility for adapting to different objects. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the stabilizing effect of rigid structures with the adaptive capability of flexible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic netting acts as a cushioning element that pre-adapts to the object shape before printing begins. By manually expanding the netting around the object and securing it beforehand, the system ensures both adaptability to the specific object geometry and stable retention during the printing process, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
3Ease of operation
If manual expansion of elastic netting is required to secure objects, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic netting is designed to be self-retaining through its inherent elasticity. Once manually expanded around the object and secured to the shuttle mount, the netting maintains tension and retention automatically without requiring additional active control mechanisms. This self-service property simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for securing objects.
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
This solution ensures stable and precise printing on objects of varying shapes and sizes by maintaining secure object retention and precise movement during the printing process, enhancing the usability and acceptance of direct-to-object print systems in manufacturing environments.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of threads, at least partially comprising a flexible synthetic elastomer, are connected to the shuttle mount. The threads are joined together to form an elastic netting which can be manually expanded around the object to retain the object to the shuttle mount
Implementation Method 2
at least one printhead configured to eject marking material on to a surface of an object
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is an object holder for retaining an object in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to use various embodiments of the object holder of the present invention. In one embodiment, the object holder comprises a shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead configured to eject marking material on to a surface of an object. A plurality of threads, at least partially comprising a flexible synthetic elastomer, are connected to the shuttle mount. The threads are joined together to form an elastic netting which can be manually expanded around the object to retain the object to the shuttle mount while the object is being printed in the direct-to-object print system.