T-Shirt Screen Printing Tray Assembly Without Masking Tape

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional screen printing process for T-shirts and garments is time-consuming and costly due to the manual application and removal of masking tape to seal the screen and frame juncture, which increases labor and material costs and slows down the printing process.

Innovation Solution

A reusable plastic tray is designed to fit over the screen and frame, eliminating the need for tape by providing a snap-fit or fastener-based mounting system that prevents ink leakage at the screen-frame juncture, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If masking tape is used to seal the screen and frame juncture, then ink leakage is prevented, but printing time increases and costs increase due to manual application and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink leakage preventionVSAvoidprinting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented from the tape application process and integrated into a permanent tray structure. The tray is divided into a base portion that seals the screen-frame juncture and a flange that overlaps the screen edge, separating the sealing function from temporary tape applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tray is pre-assembled with the screen and frame before the printing process begins. The sealing structure is prepared in advance as part of the screen assembly, eliminating the need for last-minute tape application and removal during the printing workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If masking tape is used to seal the screen and frame juncture, then ink leakage is prevented, but labor and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink leakage preventionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive, labor-intensive tape applications with a simple, inexpensive plastic tray structure. The tray is a low-cost component that provides permanent sealing without requiring ongoing material purchases or labor for application and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The tray is designed to be easily removed and reused across multiple printing projects. Instead of discarding tape after each use, the durable tray is recovered and reused, eliminating ongoing material costs and labor associated with repeated tape applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If masking tape is applied manually to the screen and frame, then the screen is sealed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen sealingVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the tray structure itself rather than being a separate tape application step. The tray combines the functions of ink containment and screen sealing into a single integrated component that is already part of the screen assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tray provides automatic sealing through its structural design - the base portion and flange configuration creates a self-sealing mechanism at the screen-frame juncture without requiring manual intervention or additional sealing materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12403688B2Apparatus and process for t-shirt/garment screen printing

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 BLUEBACK LLC

AI summary

A screen assembly is provided for screen printing and includes a screen with a perimeter frame and a tray covering the frame. The tray includes a central opening with an inner peripheral lip or edge which press fits against the screen to keep ink from contacting the frame during the screen printing process. After printing, the tray is removed from the frame so that the assembly can be cleaned and reused. The assembly and its method of use eliminates the need for conventional taping of the screen and frame.