VACUUM TUBE OBJECT CLAMPING ARRAY WITH CONFORMABLE PADS

A universal object holding mechanism for holding three-dimensional objects for printing thereon uses an array of suction cups mounted at the ends of retractable tubes. The array is pressed into an object which in turn is pressed against a datum surface that represents a print head. Vacuum is applied through the tubes to the suction cups which grip the object. The suction cup walls are hollow and filled with particulates that cause the cup to become rigid when the vacuum is applied. This contributes to keeping the object from moving due to flex in the suction cup when it is being moved past theprint head. 用于保持用于在其上打印的三维物体的通用物体保持机构利用安装在可收缩管的端部处的吸杯阵列。该阵列被压入物体内，物体接着相对于表示打印头的基准表面按压。通过管向抓握物体的吸杯施加真空。吸杯壁是中空的并且填充使得杯在施加真空时变得刚性的微粒。这有助于防止物体的由于吸杯在运动经过打印头时的弯曲所引起的运动。