Multi-axis holding device for golf ball orienting and printing
A holding device includes a support mechanism configured to contact and hold the golf ball, a first motion device configured to move the golf ball and at least a portion of the support mechanism in a translational direction along an axis, a second motion device configured to move the golf ball and at least a portion of the support mechanism in a rotational direction around the axis, and a securing mechanism configured to produce a retaining force configured to hold the golf ball to the support mechanism.
1 . A holding device for handling a golf ball, the holding device comprising:
a support mechanism configured to contact and hold the golf ball, the support mechanism comprising a support member, a control bar, and a support mount rigidly connected between the support member and the control bar;
a first motion device configured to move the golf ball and at least a portion of the support mechanism in a translational direction along an axis, wherein the first motion device comprises a sleeve and a first servo motor configured to move the control bar through the sleeve to cause translational movement of the support member via the support mount along the axis;
a second motion device configured to move the golf ball and at least a portion of the support mechanism in a rotational direction around the axis; and
a securing mechanism configured to produce a retaining force configured to hold the golf ball to the support mechanism.
2 . The holding device of claim 1 , further comprising a housing enclosing the first motion device, the second motion device, and at least a portion of the support mechanism.
3 . The holding device of claim 1 , wherein the support mechanism further comprises a connector connected to the support member and configured to contact the golf ball.
4 . The holding device of claim 1 , wherein the second motion device comprises a second servo motor configured to rotate the support member around the axis.
5 . The holding device of claim 3 , wherein the securing mechanism comprises a vacuum source and a vacuum line, wherein the vacuum source is configured to produce a suction force at the connector through the vacuum line.
6 . The holding device of claim 5 , wherein the support member is a hollow bar configured to enable the vacuum source to produce the suction force at the connector.
7 . A multi-axis holder for handling a golf ball, comprising:
a first holding device, comprising:
a first support mechanism configured to contact and hold the golf ball;
a first device configured to move the golf ball and at least a portion of the first support mechanism in at least one of a translational direction along a first axis or a rotational direction around the first axis, wherein the first device comprises a first motion device configured to move the golf ball and at least a portion of the first support mechanism in the translational direction along the first axis, and a second motion device configured to move the golf ball and at least a portion of the first support mechanism in the rotational direction around the first axis;
a first securing mechanism configured to produce a retaining force configured to hold the golf ball to the first support mechanism;
a second holding device, comprising:
a second support mechanism configured to contact and hold the golf ball; and
a second device configured to move the golf ball and at least a portion of the second support mechanism in at least one of a translational direction along a second axis or a rotational direction around the second axis, wherein the second device comprises a third motion device configured to move the golf ball and at least a portion of the second support mechanism in the translational direction along the second axis, and a fourth motion device configured to move the golf ball and at least a portion of the second support mechanism in the rotational direction around the second axis.
8 . The holder of claim 7 , wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis.
9 . The holder of claim 7 , wherein the second holding device further comprises a second securing mechanism configured to produce a retaining force configured to hold the golf ball to the second support mechanism.
10 . The holder of claim 7 , wherein the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism are configured to contact the golf ball simultaneously.