Synchronous Rotating Fixture for Multi-Sided Object Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning systems for multi-sided processing of round or cylindrical objects are inefficient due to the need for custom fixtures, manual rotation, and lack of precise alignment, leading to increased costs, time consumption, and potential errors in printing processes.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system featuring a base member with equally spaced elongate cylindrical members that rotate synchronously, allowing for precise alignment and multi-sided processing of objects, along with an alignment apparatus using a transparent support screen and software template for efficient object placement and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom foam-board fixtures are designed and built for each specific type of object, then objects can be securely held in place for printing, but the procurement of multiple custom fixtures becomes expensive, time consuming, and requires substantial organization and storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal fixture system with interchangeable adapters that can accommodate multiple object types and sizes. Instead of creating custom fixtures for each object, the system uses a base fixture structure with various adapters (e.g., cylindrical adapters, flat adapters, spherical adapters) that can be swapped to match different object geometries. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure positioning reliability while reducing the number of unique fixtures needed, thereby lowering storage requirements and procurement costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture system is segmented into modular components: a base fixture structure, interchangeable adapters, and adjustable positioning elements. Each adapter is designed as a separate module that can be independently selected and attached to the base fixture based on the object being processed. This segmentation allows the system to handle diverse objects with a single fixture platform, eliminating the need for numerous complete custom fixtures and reducing overall system complexity and storage needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If objects are manually removed from the fixture, turned, and reinserted for multi-sided printing, then multi-sided processing can be performed, but the manual procedure becomes time consuming and prone to error when numerous objects are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rotatable fixture or rotatable object holder that enables dynamic repositioning of objects during the printing process. The fixture includes a rotation mechanism (manual or automated) that can turn objects to present different sides to the printing head without requiring complete removal and reinsertion. This dynamic capability maintains versatility for multi-sided processing while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating repetitive manual handling and reducing positioning errors through consistent rotational alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary rotational mechanism between the fixture and the printing process. This intermediary component (such as a rotating tray, turntable, or indexed rotation device) mediates the transition between different object orientations. Instead of directly manipulating each object individually, the intermediary mechanism handles the rotation of multiple objects simultaneously or in sequence, maintaining adaptability for various object types while boosting processing speed and accuracy through standardized rotational positions.
3Ease of operation
If visual inspection is used to determine if objects are correctly positioned, then simple alignment checking can be performed, but the process becomes very inefficient and prone to error when many objects are to be printed on multiple sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical or sensor-based alignment verification system. The system incorporates cameras, lasers, or proximity sensors that automatically detect object positions and orientations, compare them against target specifications, and provide feedback for correction. This substitution maintains the simplicity of alignment checking (the system automatically determines correctness) while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating time-consuming manual inspection of each object, especially when processing numerous items on multiple sides.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system for positioning a plurality of rotatable objects for processing includes a base plate that is configured to be positioned on a support surface of a processing machine. The base plate defines a plurality of alignment members to align the base plate to the support surface. The positioning system further includes at least three elongate cylindrical members that are arranged in parallel to one another and rotatably supported in alignment with the base plate. The cylindrical members are configured to support the rotatable objects. The positioning system also includes a rotation mechanism configured to cooperate with the cylindrical members and rotate the cylindrical members in synchrony so as to rotate the plurality of rotatable objects in synchrony. The positioning system further includes a rotational control mechanism configured to cooperate with the rotation mechanism to control rotation of the cylindrical members.