3D Screen Printing System With Automated Screen Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D printing systems require multiple devices and substrate repositioning to produce complex three-dimensional structures, leading to increased production time and resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A 3D printing system with a screen supply device featuring a magazine for storing multiple printing screens and a transport device that allows for the selection and exchange of screens between a magazine and a holder, enabling the production of complex structures with varying layer designs using a single device without substrate removal, along with adjustable print head and table height for optimal layer stacking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple printing devices are used to produce complex three-dimensional structures, then the structural complexity is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printing device is designed with a screen supply device that can hold and switch between multiple printing screens, allowing a single device to perform multiple printing operations that previously required several separate devices. The screen holder can accommodate different screens with varying aperture patterns, enabling the production of complex three-dimensional structures through sequential printing layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The screen supply device integrates multiple printing screens within a single device structure. The screens are stored in the screen holder and can be sequentially accessed, effectively nesting multiple functional elements (different screens) within one printing device, reducing the need for multiple standalone devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If substrates are transferred between multiple printing devices, then complete three-dimensional structures can be produced, but the production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional structure productionVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple printing screens and their functions into a single printing device with an integrated screen supply device. This merging allows the substrate to remain on one printing table throughout the entire printing process, eliminating the need for time-consuming transfers between multiple devices while still enabling complex three-dimensional structure production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The screen supply device enables continuous printing operations by providing immediate access to different printing screens within the same device. The substrate can be printed on continuously with multiple layers using different screens without interruption for device transfer, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the printing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple printing screens are stored and exchanged, then diverse three-dimensional structures can be produced, but the screen management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting screen varietyVSAvoidscreen management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screen supply device segments the screen management function into a dedicated module with a screen holder that can store multiple printing screens. This segmentation isolates the complexity of screen management into a specific component, making it easier to handle and exchange screens without complicating the entire printing device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screen holder acts as an intermediary between screen storage and the printing operation. It provides a standardized interface for holding and exchanging screens, simplifying the management process by mediating between the need for screen variety and the printing operation, reducing direct complexity in screen handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3482934B13D screen printing system for printing three dimensionally shaped structures
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 EXENTIS GRP AG
  • EP3482934B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3482934B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A printing system (1) for printing three-dimensionally shaped structures, in particular on substrates such as printed circuit boards, wafers, solar cells, carrier substrates, printing tables, carrier plates, sintered plates or the like, comprising at least one printing device (2) having a print head (8), a doctor blade device (9) and a screen holder (10) associated with the doctor blade device (9) for receiving a printing screen (11). It is provided that a screen supply device (25) includes at least one screen magazine (3) for storing several printing screens (11) and a transport device (4) for transporting a printing screen (11) from the screen magazine (3) to the screen holder (10) and from the screen holder (10) to the screen magazine (3).