Universal Gripper Balls for Direct-to-Object Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Direct to Object printing systems require unique part holders for each object, limiting the ability to print on general objects due to the need for machined metal brackets with dedicated features, making it difficult to adapt to non-production environments where various products with different shapes need to be printed.

Innovation Solution

A universal object holder using multiple small, particle-filled elastic gripper balls that become rigid under vacuum, allowing for secure gripping of objects of various shapes and sizes, with spring-biased gripper balls that can be positioned around or inside objects to accommodate different geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If unique part holders with dedicated locating and fastening features are used for each object, then the object can be securely held during printing, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holdingVSAvoidadaptability to different objects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces dedicated part holders with a universal object holder that can accommodate multiple different objects. The holder uses an array of pins that can be positioned at various locations to securely hold different shaped objects during printing, eliminating the need for custom holders for each object type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding mechanism is divided into multiple independent pins arranged in an array. Each pin can independently contact and secure different portions of an object, allowing the same holder structure to adapt to various object geometries through selective pin engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If machined metal brackets with dedicated locating features are used, then the object positioning precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject positioning precisionVSAvoidease of holder fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of machining complex metal brackets with dedicated locating features, the patent uses a simplified holder structure with an array of pins that can be easily positioned and adjusted. The precision is achieved through the geometric arrangement of pins rather than complex machined features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The holder design allows for adjustable pin positions to accommodate different object geometries. This dynamic adaptability replaces the static, precision-machined features of traditional brackets, making the holder easier to manufacture while maintaining positioning precision through reconfigurable pin arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple conformable gripper balls are used to hold objects of various shapes, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to hold various object shapesVSAvoidcomplexity of holder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs conformable gripper balls that can deform to match the surface geometry of different objects. These flexible spherical elements adapt to various object shapes without requiring complex mechanical structures, achieving versatility through material compliance rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper balls change their physical state or properties to conform to different object shapes. By utilizing the elastic deformation capability of the balls, the system achieves adaptability to various geometries without adding mechanical complexity, simply by leveraging the inherent parameter changes of the compliant material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 printing on a wide range of objects without the need for custom holders, providing a flexible and adaptable solution for non-production environments by securely gripping objects of various shapes and sizes, allowing for efficient image application on three-dimensional objects.

Implementation Method 1

A universal object holder using multiple small, particle-filled elastic gripper balls that become rigid under vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

spring-biased gripper balls that can be positioned around or inside objects to accommodate different geometries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11541671B2Apparatus for general object holding during printing using multiple conformable gripper balls

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 XEROX CORP

AI summary

A universal object holding mechanism for holding three-dimensional objects for printing thereon uses multiple conformable balls mounted within a pattern of holes in a two part back plate. The multiple conformable balls are pressed into an object, which in turn, is pressed against a datum surface that represents desired spacing away from print heads. Vacuum is applied to the multiple conformable balls which grip the object. The multiple conformable balls are filled with particulates that cause the multiple conformable balls to become rigid when the vacuum is applied. This contributes to keeping the object from moving when it is being moved past a print head.