Memory Foam 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 lack effective mechanisms to stabilize objects with non-negligible depth, such as coffee cups or bottles, which hinders their widespread adoption in manufacturing environments.
Innovation Solution
A direct-to-object print system incorporating an object holder with a shuttle mount and memory foam, where a vacuum pump creates air pressure differences to press the object against the foam, ensuring secure retention, combined with a printhead and actuator for precise ink application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a label is printed and applied to the surface of the object, then the printing can be done on objects with non-negligible depth, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the labeling step from the printing process by enabling direct printing on objects. The object holder mechanism removes the need for separate label application equipment, integrating object securing and printing into a single system that simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The object holder serves multiple functions: it secures objects of various shapes and sizes, positions them for printing, and maintains stability during the printing process. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate securing mechanisms and reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If the object is securely retained using rigid fixtures, then the object is stabilized during printing, but objects with varying shapes and sizes cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that can deform to conform to different object shapes. This flexible barrier maintains a sealed environment for consistent printing while adapting to various object geometries, providing both stability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the membrane from flexible to rigid through pressurization. When pressurized, the membrane becomes taut and stable for precise printing; when depressurized, it relaxes to accommodate different object shapes and sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible membrane is used to accommodate varying object shapes, then versatility is improved, but maintaining a sealed environment for consistent printing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the pressure parameter of the flexible membrane to maintain a sealed environment. By pressurizing the membrane, the system creates tension that seals around the object, preventing ink leakage while maintaining adaptability to different shapes. The pressure can be adjusted based on object characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane transitions dynamically between different states of flexibility and tension. During object loading, the membrane is relaxed to accommodate various shapes; during printing, it is pressurized to create a stable, sealed environment. This dynamic adjustment maintains both versatility and reliability.
4Reliability
If the membrane is pressurized to maintain sealing, then the sealed environment is improved, but the object holder complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane serves multiple functions: it seals the printing environment, supports objects of various shapes, and provides a stable printing surface when pressurized. This single component eliminates the need for separate sealing mechanisms, rigid fixtures, and support structures, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of pressurization capability.
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 system effectively secures objects of varying shapes and sizes, allowing for precise and stable printing directly on their surfaces, enhancing the reliability and versatility of direct-to-object printing.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum pump is used to withdraw a volume of air through a hole in the memory foam such that, a difference in air pressure causes an object to be pressed against the face of the memory foam
Implementation Method 2
causing the foam to partially deform to the object's shape
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is an object holder for securely retaining an object while it is being printed 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 memory foam is attached to the shuttle mount. A vacuum pump is used to withdraw a volume of air through a hole in the memory foam such that, a difference in air pressure causes an object to be pressed against the face of the memory foam causing the foam to partially deform to the object's shape.