Resilient Workpiece Support for Screen Printing Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece referencing systems for screen printing machines face challenges in accurately and efficiently positioning singulated workpieces, particularly those that are warped or flexible, due to lack of effective self-centering mechanisms and precise vertical adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece support assembly with resilient coupling and vertical adjustment mechanisms, including a locking member and vacuum or reduced pressure system, allows for self-centering and precise positioning of workpieces, utilizing a horizontal and vertical referencer to ensure accurate placement and retention during processing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If workpieces are supported on rigid fixed positions, then positioning precision is improved, but warped or flexible workpieces cannot be properly supported and centered
Solution Approach 1:
The support member incorporates a resilient coupling that allows the body to dynamically adjust its position. The body can be displaced from an unbiased position to a biased reference position and automatically returns to center when released, enabling adaptation to warped workpiece shapes while maintaining positioning precision through self-centering action.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member changes its physical state by allowing controlled displacement of the body relative to the base. The resilient coupling enables the body to move to a biased reference position during workpiece placement, then automatically returns to the unbiased centered position, changing the positional parameter dynamically to accommodate different workpiece conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If workpieces are allowed to move freely for self-centering, then adaptability to warped shapes is improved, but positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static rigid support to a dynamic resilient support that allows controlled movement. The body can move to a biased reference position for self-centering, then automatically returns to and stabilizes at the unbiased centered position, achieving both adaptability and stability through controlled dynamic behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member provides self-centering functionality through the resilient coupling that automatically returns the body to the unbiased position after displacement. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external centering devices while maintaining positioning stability through the inherent elastic recovery of the resilient coupling.
3Measurement precision
If vertical adjustment mechanisms are added for precise positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member allows vertical displacement of the body relative to the base through the resilient coupling. This dynamic vertical adjustment capability enables precise positioning of warped workpieces without requiring complex external adjustment mechanisms, as the body can naturally move to the biased reference position and return to center automatically.
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 solution enables reliable, self-centering support and precise positioning of workpieces, maintaining flatness and stability, even for warped or flexible items, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of processing operations like screen printing.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient coupling which resiliently couples at least part of the body which includes the support surface, such that the at least part of the body is displaceable at least in a horizontal orient from a first, unbiased position to a second, biased reference position, and, when released, the at least part of the body returns to the first, unbiased position
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum or reduced pressure source is applied to the support surface, such as to fix a supported workpiece at a defined position thereon
Implementation Method 3
the vacuum or reduced pressure maintains the workpiece flat
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece referencing system, the system having a workpiece support assembly for supporting a plurality of workpieces, wherein the support assembly includes a support platform and a plurality of support members which are disposed to the support platform, each support member being configured to support an individual workpiece; and a workpiece referencing assembly for referencing the workpieces, as supported by the support assembly, to predetermined positions; wherein the support members each includes a body which includes a support surface which supports a workpiece and a resilient coupling which resiliently couples at least an upper part of the body relative to the support platform, such that the at least part of the body is displaceable relative to the support platform from a first, unbiased position to a second, biased reference position by operation of the referencing assembly, and, when released, the at least part of the body returns to the first, unbiased position.