Air Pressure Membrane Pin Array Gripper for 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Direct to Object printing systems require unique, machined metal brackets for each part to be printed, making it impractical for non-production environments to customize and maintain inventory of products with varying logos or designs.
Innovation Solution
A universal object holder using latex or elastomer membranes with a bed of rounded tipped nails, where air pressure conforms to the object's curvature, and a vacuum blower secures the object in place, allowing for versatile printing of various 3-D objects without the need for custom holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unique machined metal brackets are used for each part, then the part can be securely held during printing, but the device complexity and inventory management become impractical for non-production environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple unique machined metal brackets with a single universal holder that can accommodate various 3-D objects. The holder uses a compliant membrane with an array of pins that can adapt to different object geometries, eliminating the need for custom holders for each part type and simplifying inventory management in non-production environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the holder from rigid machined metal brackets to a compliant membrane structure. The membrane can deform and adapt its shape to match the curvature of different objects, allowing a single holder design to securely hold multiple object types through parameter changes in its physical configuration.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid metal brackets are used, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but the adaptability to objects of varying curvatures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid metal brackets with a flexible membrane structure that can conform to the curvature of various 3-D objects. The membrane acts as a flexible shell that adapts to different object geometries while maintaining secure contact through the array of pins, eliminating the need for precise machining of multiple custom holders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static rigid metal brackets to a dynamic compliant membrane structure. The membrane can change its shape and configuration to match different object curvatures, providing adaptability and versatility while maintaining manufacturing precision through the standardized pin array design.
3Reliability
If custom machined holders are created for each object type, then secure gripping is achieved, but the ease of manufacture and operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal holder design that can be manufactured once and used for multiple object types, eliminating the need to machine custom holders for each part. The standardized membrane and pin array design simplifies manufacturing while maintaining secure gripping through the compliant structure that adapts to different geometries.
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 and flexible printing of multiple 3-D object types in non-production settings by providing a generic holder that securely grips objects of varying curvatures, reducing the need for multiple part holders and simplifying inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
two latex or similar elastomer membranes separating a bed of rounded tipped nails that allow for object conformation. The object is pushed into a membrane that contacts the object with a known air pressure behind an inner membrane inside the holder.
Implementation Method 2
The air pressure provides conformance and maximum resolution of object curvature to the bed of nails.
Implementation Method 3
Afterwards, a vacuum blower is turned ON to hold the object in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal gripper of objects includes two elastomer membranes separating a bed of rounded tipped nails that allow for object conformation. The object is pushed into a membrane that contacts the object with a known air pressure behind an inner membrane inside the gripper. The air pressure provides conformance and maximum resolution of object curvature to the bed of nails. At least one pin guide and locking plate having flexure fingers is actuated causing a small displacement which clamps each nail in its deformed position. The air pressure on the inner membrane is now removed and afterwards, a vacuum blower is turned ON causing the object to be gripped for removal from a staging platen and moved to a position to receive an image from a printer.