Pneumatic Clamping Frame for Direct-to-Object Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for printing on curved, non-planar, or non-linear surfaces require custom object holders, which are resource-intensive and costly, taking up significant storage space and increasing the complexity of the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A direct-to-object print system featuring a moving frame with a collapsible membrane filled with granules and an inflatable bladder, allowing for secure holding and positioning of multi-dimensional objects for printing without the need for custom object holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom object holders are designed and made for each object or batch of similar objects, then the object can be held steady during printing, but additional resources and time are required which significantly adds to the cost of printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single reusable object holder that can accommodate multiple different objects through adjustable clamping mechanisms. The holder with collapsible membranes and granules can adapt its shape to hold various objects稳固定位, eliminating the need for custom holders for each object type while maintaining printing stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics by incorporating collapsible membranes that can change shape and flexibility. The membranes collapse around the object during printing to provide stable support, then can be reset for the next object, enabling the same holder to adapt to different object geometries without requiring custom designs
2Reliability
If custom designed object holders are made for each object, then the object can be securely held, but significant storage space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The universal object holder design eliminates the need for multiple custom holders by providing a single adaptable device that can securely hold various objects through its collapsible membrane mechanism, significantly reducing storage space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible membranes can be folded or nested within the holder frame when not in use, minimizing the storage footprint of the holder itself while maintaining full functionality when deployed
3Manufacturing precision
If custom object holders are designed for each object type, then printing can be performed accurately, but the complexity of the printing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic collapsible membranes automatically adapt to the object's shape, providing stable support and accurate positioning without requiring complex pre-programming or manual adjustment for each object type, thus maintaining printing accuracy while simplifying the process
Solution Approach 2:
The object holder performs self-adjustment through its collapsible membrane mechanism that automatically conforms to the object being held, eliminating the need for operator intervention to configure custom holders for different objects and reducing process complexity
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 cost-effective printing on objects of various shapes and sizes by securely holding them with a pneumatic clamping system, reducing resource waste and storage needs while maintaining registration accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the at least one collapsible membrane is configured to collapse at least partially around the at least one object when a volume of air is withdrawn from the at least one collapsible membrane
Implementation Method 2
at least one inflatable bladder associated with at least one interior surface of the moving frame, wherein the at least one inflatable bladder is configured to be inflated to retain the at least one collapsible membrane within the moving frame when air is withdrawn from the at least one collapsible membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for printing on a multi-dimensional object includes at least one print head configured to eject marking material onto a surface of the multi-dimensional object, a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by the at least one print head, and an object holder. The object holder includes a moving frame configured to traverse the support member, at least one granule-filled collapsible membrane configured to be retained within the moving frame and at least partially collapsible around the multi-dimensional object when a volume of air is withdrawn therefrom, and at least one inflatable bladder associated with the moving frame and configured to be inflated to retain the at least one collapsible membrane within the moving frame when air is withdrawn from the at least one collapsible membrane.