Magnetic Object Holder for Direct-to-Object Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Direct-to-object print systems face challenges in securely retaining objects of varying shapes and sizes during printing, as existing solutions fail to effectively hold objects in place while they are being printed.

Innovation Solution

An object holder with an open-sided container filled with ferrous metallic pieces that clump together under a magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, allowing the object to be securely retained as it moves along a support member parallel to the printhead, ensuring precise alignment and retention during printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional object holders are used in direct-to-object print systems, then the printing process can proceed, but objects of varying shapes and sizes cannot be securely retained during printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject retention stabilityVSAvoidaccommodation of varying object shapes and sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnet changes the magnetic field strength parameter to control the clumping of ferrous metallic pieces, allowing dynamic adjustment of retention force to accommodate different object weights and shapes while maintaining secure holding during printing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The object holder combines ferrous metallic pieces with magnetic field generation to create a composite retention system that adapts to various object geometries, allowing the same holder design to securely retain objects of varying shapes and sizes through magnetic aggregation of the metallic pieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If objects are securely retained during printing, then printing precision is improved, but the object holder mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting alignment accuracyVSAvoidobject holder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical clamping or fixing mechanisms with a magnetic field-based retention system, eliminating complex mechanical linkages, screws, or movable parts while achieving precise object alignment and secure retention through electromagnetic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If ferrous metallic pieces are used for object retention, then object securing is improved, but the system becomes limited to ferrous materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject retention strengthVSAvoidcompatibility with non-ferrous objects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ferrous metallic pieces act as intermediary elements between the electromagnet and the object being printed. These pieces can be attached to or embedded in non-ferrous objects, allowing the magnetic retention system to securely hold any object type regardless of its material composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables secure retention of objects during printing, ensuring accurate and consistent application of marking material across the object's surface, overcoming the challenge of object movement and alignment, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of direct-to-object printing systems.

Implementation Method 1

An electromagnet generates a magnetic field which causes the metallic pieces to clump together thereby physically retaining the object in the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

A plurality of relatively small ferrous metallic pieces of varying shapes and sizes are contained within the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20180311984A1Object holder for a direct-to-object printer

Publication Date: 2018.11.01 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

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 has an open-sided container configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead of a direct-to-object print system. A plurality of relatively small ferrous metallic pieces of varying shapes and sizes are contained within the container. An object to be printed is placed in the container an at least partially embedded in the metal pieces. An electromagnet generates a magnetic field which causes the metallic pieces to clump together thereby physically retaining the object in the container while the object is being moved along the support member.