Front-Accessible Mask Holder for Screen Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mask holders in screen printing machines require operators to move to the backside to adjust the back edge stopper, leading to difficulties in installation and a risk of losing components, as the configuration necessitates detachment and reattachment from the side support parts.
Innovation Solution
A mask holder design featuring a rod member that allows the back edge stopper to be moved and fixed from the front, eliminating the need to leave the normal work position and reducing the risk of component loss, with a front edge stopper that is slidable and retractable to avoid interference during mask insertion and withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the back edge stopper is screwed into the right and left side support parts from the back side, then the stopper can be securely fixed, but the operator must leave the normal work position and move to the back side for adjustment, increasing installation difficulty and risk of component loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional adjustment direction by allowing the back edge stopper to be adjusted from the front side rather than the back side. The rod member extends through the right and left side support parts, with its front end exposed for operation. This inversion enables operators to perform adjustments at the normal work position without moving to the back side, while still achieving secure fixing through the threaded connection at the back end.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the back edge stopper is detached and reattached for position changes, then adaptability to different mask sizes is achieved, but installation work becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the rod member can be easily moved along the right and left side support parts to change the position of the back edge stopper. The rod member features a threaded section that allows for simple rotational adjustment to lock at different positions, enabling quick adaptation to various mask sizes without complex detachment and reattachment procedures.
3Reliability
If the front edge stopper is fixed in position, then it can provide stable support, but it interferes with mask insertion and withdrawal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The front edge stopper is designed as a movable component that can slide along the right and left side support parts in the front-back direction. During mask insertion and withdrawal, the stopper automatically retracts to avoid interference. When the mask is in position, the stopper can be engaged to provide stable support, thus achieving both dynamic accessibility and static stability.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an operating knob 42 capable of movement operation in a front-back direction with respect to a right and left side support part 31, a rod member 45 whose front end is joined to the operating knob 42, a back edge stopper 47 which is moved in the front-back direction through the rod member 45 and also is abutted on the back edge of the mask 15 by fixing operation of the rod member 45 by the operating knob 42, and a front edge stopper 53 abutted on the front edge of the mask 15.