Squeegee Exchange Mechanism for Printing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing apparatuses require manual effort from operators to exchange squeegees, which is labor-intensive and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with a squeegee fixing section that can switch between fixed and released states, combined with a squeegee moving section to automate the squeegee exchange process, allowing for automatic movement and positioning of squeegees without the need for manual screw removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual exchange of squeegee is performed by removing attachment screws, then the squeegee can be exchanged, but the operator workload increases and exchange time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesqueegee exchange speedVSAvoidoperator workload

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The squeegee is designed with a self-releasing mechanism where the squeegee blade automatically detaches from the holder when the holder is rotated to a specific position, eliminating the need for operators to manually remove attachment screws. The system serves itself by using the rotational movement to automatically release the squeegee.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The squeegee exchange mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The holder can rotate between a fixing position (where the squeegee is secured) and a releasing position (where the squeegee automatically detaches), enabling quick exchange without manual intervention for screw removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Extent of automation

If automatic squeegee exchange mechanism is implemented, then operator workload is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesqueegee exchange automationVSAvoidfixing section structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing section is divided into distinct functional components: a holder that rotates, a squeegee blade that attaches and detaches, and a positioning mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder acts as an intermediary between the squeegee blade and the mounting structure. It provides a rotational interface that mediates the transition between the fixed state (squeegee attached) and the released state (squeegee detached), simplifying the automation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11331901B2Printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 FUJI CORP

AI summary

A printing apparatus including: a squeegee fixing section configured to switch to and from a fixed state in which a squeegee used to print a viscous fluid onto a print target is fixed and a released state in which the squeegee is not fixed; and a squeegee moving section configured to move the squeegee fixed by the squeegee fixing section above a screen mask during printing by moving the squeegee fixing section.