Paste Dispensing Apparatus with Stirrer and Closable Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated systems for dispensing printing paste for solar cell manufacturing are inefficient and often result in non-optimal paste quality due to improper storage and handling within the dispensing system.
Innovation Solution
A paste dispensing apparatus with a reservoir that includes a stirrer to maintain paste quality, a receptacle for receiving paste, and a closable passage that allows for controlled dispensing of the paste using a pusher mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated paste dispensing systems are used, then labor intensity is reduced, but paste quality deteriorates due to improper storage and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a reservoir for bulk storage, a transfer mechanism for moving paste, and a dispensing unit for controlled application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the reservoir providing bulk storage and the dispensing unit ensuring precise, quality-controlled delivery, thus maintaining paste quality while achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary between the reservoir and the dispensing unit. This intermediary component enables automated paste movement while controlling the transfer process to prevent degradation, thereby maintaining paste quality throughout the automated dispensing system.
2Reliability
If manual paste supply is used, then paste quality is maintained, but productivity decreases due to work-intensive operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-service features where the reservoir automatically supplies paste to the dispensing unit through controlled transfer mechanisms. The system monitors paste levels and initiates transfers autonomously, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining paste quality through controlled, automated handling processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous paste supply from the reservoir to the dispensing unit through automated transfer mechanisms. This continuous operation eliminates interruptions and manual refilling, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining paste quality through consistent, controlled transfer processes.
3Device complexity
If paste is stored in a simple reservoir, then device complexity is reduced, but paste quality deteriorates due to lack of stirring and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir incorporates a stirring mechanism that continuously mixes the paste before it is transferred to the dispensing unit. This preliminary action ensures the paste remains homogeneous and prevents degradation during storage, maintaining paste quality without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir serves multiple functions: bulk storage, continuous stirring to maintain homogeneity, and controlled transfer to the dispensing unit. This multi-functionality ensures paste quality is maintained throughout the system while avoiding the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus ensures high-quality paste dispensing by maintaining the paste in a stirred state within the reservoir and efficiently discharging it in a controlled manner, reducing waste and preserving paste quality.
Implementation Method 1
The reservoir includes a stirrer for stirring the paste
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dispensing paste for a printer using a paste dispensing apparatus is provided. The paste dispensing apparatus includes a reservoir for storing a paste for a printer. The reservoir includes a stirrer for stirring the paste. The paste dispensing apparatus includes a receptacle for receiving paste from the reservoir. The paste dispensing apparatus includes a closable passage from the reservoir to the receptacle. The closable passage is changeable between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the receptacle is fluidly coupled to the reservoir so that paste can pass from the reservoir to the receptacle. In the closed state, the receptacle is fluidly decoupled from the reservoir so that the paste is prevented from passing from the reservoir to the receptacle. The paste dispensing apparatus includes a pusher for pushing paste out of the receptacle. The method includes transferring a first volume of paste from the reservoir to the receptacle while the closable passage is in the open state. The method includes, after the transferring, changing the closable passage from the open state to the closed state. The method includes, after the changing, performing a first discharging operation by the pusher to discharge a first amount of paste from the receptacle while the closable passage is in the closed state.