Pivoting Mug Sling for Sublimation Printing Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying sublimation transfers to containers with handles, such as mugs, require individual wrapping and mounting of silicone wraps, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A sling apparatus is designed to support mugs during sublimation printing, featuring an elongated base with stanchions and pivotally mounted arms that secure silicone wraps, allowing for simultaneous handling of multiple mugs without individual wrapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual silicone wraps are mounted on each mug before sublimation printing, then the sublimation transfer can be applied smoothly and evenly, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual silicone wraps are merged into a single shared silicone wrap that simultaneously supports multiple mugs. The wrap is configured with multiple recesses, each accommodating a mug, allowing all mugs to be prepared and printed together in one operation rather than individually
Solution Approach 2:
A single silicone wrap structure serves multiple functions by providing support for multiple mugs simultaneously. The wrap acts as a universal fixture that can accommodate various mugs with a single design, eliminating the need for separate wraps for each mug
2Reliability
If individual silicone wraps are used for each mug, then each mug receives proper support and pressure during printing, but the device complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual support structures are combined into a single integrated silicone wrap that provides stable support for multiple mugs simultaneously. The wrap maintains proper contact and pressure distribution across all mugs through its multi-recess design
Solution Approach 2:
The single silicone wrap is segmented into multiple recesses or compartments, each designed to accommodate a specific mug. This segmentation allows the wrap to provide individualized support to each mug while remaining a single unified structure
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 sling apparatus streamlines the sublimation printing process by eliminating the need for individual silicone wraps, enabling efficient and uniform application of sublimation transfers to multiple mugs in a single operation.
Implementation Method 1
the mug is heated to a temperature at least as high as the sublimation temperature of the dyes constituting the image to be printed. This process causes vaporization of the dyes constituting the image and their immediate absorption into the polymeric coating on the mug
Data Source
AI summary
A sling is provided herein for supporting mugs during sublimation printing. The sling includes an elongated base with first and second stanchions mounted thereto. First and second arms extend between, and are pivotally mounted to, the first and second stanchions. At least one silicone wrap is secured to the first and second arms so as to be suspended therebetween. The first and second arms are movable between an open state, where the first and second arms are spaced a first distance to allow a mug to pass therebetween into resting engagement with the at least one silicone wrap, and a closed state, where the first and second arms are spaced a second distance less than the first distance. Advantageously, the sling of the subject invention provides a fixture for supporting one or more mugs for sublimation printing for use in an oven without need for individually mounting silicone wraps.