Direct-to-Object Printer Object Holder with Suction Cup Retention
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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 widespread adoption in manufacturing environments.
Innovation Solution
A direct-to-object print system incorporating an object holder with a base plate, shaft, back support, and suction cup that allows for adjustable positioning and secure retention of objects, combined with a printhead and actuator for precise ink application, ensuring stable object movement and printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an object holder is designed to securely retain objects with non-negligible depth, then the stability and reliability of the printing process is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple components (base plate, shaft, back support, side plate, suction cup)
Solution Approach 1:
The object holder is divided into multiple functional components: a base plate for support, a shaft for positioning, a back support for stability, a side plate for lateral constraint, and a suction cup for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, ensuring reliable object retention during the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup acts as an intermediary element between the object and the object holder structure. It provides a reliable attachment mechanism that secures the object without requiring direct mechanical fastening, thus improving retention stability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the object holder includes adjustable positioning mechanisms, then the adaptability to different objects is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The object holder incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the holder to be dynamically configured for different object sizes and shapes. The side plate and back support can be positioned to accommodate various object dimensions, enhancing adaptability. However, this adjustability requires additional operational steps, reducing ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the object holder uses a suction cup mechanism, then the ease of manufacture is improved compared to complex mechanical clamps, but the reliability may be reduced for objects that cannot be effectively suctioned
Solution Approach 1:
The object holder employs a suction cup mechanism that utilizes pneumatic principles to attach objects. This approach simplifies the manufacturing process compared to complex mechanical clamps, as the suction cup can be made from flexible materials and requires minimal assembly. However, the reliability of object attachment depends on the object's surface properties, which may limit its effectiveness for certain objects that cannot be effectively suctioned.
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 during printing, enabling precise and reliable direct-to-object ink deposition, enhancing the usability and acceptance of direct-to-object print technology in various manufacturing settings.
Implementation Method 1
A suction cup is connected to one end of the shaft for holding an object to the shaft while the object is being moved
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is an object holder for 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 base plate 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 shaft passes through the base plate. A back support is fixed to an end of the base plate. A side plate is slideably attached to the base plate. The back support and side plate collectively provide support to the shaft. A suction cup is connected to one end of the shaft for holding an object to the shaft while the object is being moved.