Printing Plate Washer Unit for LCD Pattern Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for forming patterns in liquid crystal display devices, such as photolithography and four-color printing, are costly and time-consuming due to the deterioration of printing plates during the process, which affects the efficiency and longevity of the engraving for subsequent printing processes.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that utilize multiple printing rolls and plates with a washer unit to clean the plates during the pattern transcription process, ensuring that the engraving remains intact for subsequent uses and allowing continuous operation without idle periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If photolithography process is used to form patterns, then pattern precision is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and process time extends due to multiple steps including development and etching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the photolithography process steps (photosensitive film application, exposure, development, etching) from the manufacturing flow, replacing them with a direct printing process that achieves comparable pattern precision without the complex intermediate steps, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses printing plates with engraved patterns to directly copy and transfer patterns onto the substrate through a printing process, replacing the photolithography copying mechanism with a simpler direct printing approach that reduces process complexity and time
2Adaptability or versatility
If printing plates are used in four-color printing apparatus, then multiple patterns can be formed, but printing plate deterioration occurs during the process affecting subsequent printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a washing unit that performs preliminary cleaning of printing plates between printing operations, removing pattern material residues before they can cause deterioration or contamination of subsequent printing patterns, thereby maintaining printing plate reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The washing unit enables the printing plate to self-clean during the printing process cycle, automatically removing residues without manual intervention and preventing the accumulation of material that would degrade plate performance over time
3Reliability
If washing process is performed separately after printing, then printing plates are cleaned, but production time is lost due to idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the washing unit into the printing apparatus so that washing operations occur continuously during idle periods or between printing cycles without stopping production, eliminating separate washing time and maintaining continuous useful action in the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the washing function with the printing apparatus structure, combining two previously separate processes (printing and washing) into a single integrated system that performs both functions without requiring separate equipment or production time
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes at least one printing nozzle for applying a material, at least one first printing plate, at least one second printing plate, at least one printing roll for transcribing a portion of the pattern material on one of a first substrate and a second substrate, the transcribed portion of the pattern material corresponding to an engraving in one of the first and second printing plates, and a washer unit for washing one of the first and second printing plates while the printing roll transcribing the pattern material.