Universal 3D Printed Part Gripper for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for printing on 3-D objects in non-production environments require unique, machined metal part holders, which are costly and time-consuming to design and produce, limiting productivity and customer satisfaction due to the need for custom solutions for each part.
Innovation Solution
A universal part gripper system utilizing a generic holder plate with 3-D printed inserts that include mirrored locating features and vacuum grippers to securely hold parts for printing, allowing for the use of a single generic holder to accommodate various part sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If unique machined metal part holders are used for each part, then accurate part positioning is achieved, but production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal holder plate design with standardized mounting features that can accommodate multiple different part types through interchangeable locating elements. This eliminates the need to design and manufacture unique holders for each part, reducing production time while maintaining positioning accuracy through the standardized interface system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses 3-D printing technology to create accurate digital copies of part geometries, which are then used to generate locating features on the holder plate. This digital copying approach enables rapid iteration and modification of locating features without requiring new machined metal holders for each part variation.
2Reliability
If unique machined metal part holders are designed for each part, then secure holding is achieved, but design and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal holder plate incorporates standardized vacuum coupling features and mounting interfaces that can securely hold multiple different part types. This eliminates the need for expensive custom-machined metal holders for each part while maintaining secure holding through the reusable vacuum gripper system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs 3-D printed holder components that are inexpensive to produce compared to machined metal holders. These printed holders can be rapidly manufactured and replaced if needed, significantly reducing design and production costs while maintaining adequate holding reliability for the application.
3Measurement precision
If custom holder plates are manufactured for each part, then accurate positioning is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-configured locating features and mounting interfaces on the universal holder plate that are designed in advance to accommodate various part types. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming custom manufacturing while maintaining positioning accuracy through the pre-engineered locating geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes 3-D printing technology to enable rapid modification of holder parameters such as locating feature geometry and mounting configurations. This allows quick adaptation to different part requirements without the time consumption associated with traditional machined metal holder manufacturing.
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 3-D objects by allowing a single generic holder to be used for multiple part sizes, reducing production time and costs while maintaining accurate part positioning and secure holding during the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum grippers to hold the part in place
Data Source
AI summary
A generic holder includes a generic holder plate and a 3-D insert plate. The 3-D insert plate contains locating features mirrored to the backside of the part to be printed and vacuum grippers to secure the part in the insert plate. The insert plate is secured in the generic holder plate that includes vacuum couplings. The part is located on the insert plate and vacuum is applied to the generic holder plate and insert plate to hold the part for printing.