Multi-Blade Squeegee Holder for Multi-Level Stencil Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current squeegee blade technologies fail to consistently fill and level both full-height and reduced-height apertures in multi-level stencils during solder paste printing, leading to inconsistent solder paste coverage and print errors due to stiffness issues with metal blades and durability problems with flexible blades.
Innovation Solution
A squeegee assembly with a primary blade and one or more secondary blades, where the primary blade is configured to fill and level full-height apertures, and the secondary blades are positioned to effectively fill and level reduced-height apertures, using a multi-blade system that adapts to the geometry of both aperture types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stiff metal blade is used, then durability is improved, but the blade cannot flex to fill reduced-height apertures properly
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into multiple segments or zones with different stiffness characteristics. The distal portion has higher flexibility to access reduced-height apertures, while the proximal portion maintains stiffness for durability and consistent positioning. This segmentation allows the single blade to perform both functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the blade have different mechanical properties. The blade transitions from a stiffer proximal region to a more flexible distal region, allowing each zone to perform its optimal function - the stiff region provides structural integrity while the flexible region conforms to multi-level stencil surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible polymer blade is used, then adaptability to multi-level stencil is improved, but print consistency and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The blade structure is segmented into zones with progressively varying stiffness. This allows the distal portion to flex and conform to reduced-height apertures for complete filling, while the proximal portion maintains sufficient stiffness to ensure consistent positioning and reliable print-to-print repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade exhibits spatially varying mechanical properties, with the distal region having lower modulus for conformability and the proximal region having higher modulus for stability. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between flexibility and print consistency.
3Strength
If blade stiffness is increased, then aperture edge interaction is reduced, but pressure distribution becomes uneven across multi-level apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is segmented into multiple stiffness zones along its length. This segmentation creates a progressive transition in rigidity that allows the blade to maintain overall structural integrity while enabling the distal portions to flex and apply uniform pressure across both full-height and reduced-height apertures in multi-level stencils.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the blade have optimized local stiffness characteristics. The proximal sections provide rigidity for stable positioning and reduced edge interaction, while distal sections provide flexibility for even pressure distribution across varying aperture heights, achieving uniform paste deposition throughout.
Data Source
AI summary
A squeegee assembly is disclosed for use in a solder paste printing system. The squeegee assembly includes an elongated primary blade holder holding a primary blade adapted for movement in a first direction, and one or more secondary blades mounted to the primary blade holder in a following position with respect to the first direction of movement of the primary blade.