Screen Frame Elevation Mechanism for 3D Printing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen printing machines face issues with 3D printing layer definition and article contamination due to suction during elevation movements, particularly in fixed printing base machines, where the precision of layer alignment is compromised and contamination occurs randomly across the print base.
Innovation Solution
An automatic elevation/rotation mechanism with a translational movement system using collinear, offset shafts allows simultaneous or subsequent movement of the screen printing frame relative to the print base, eliminating offset issues and reducing suction-induced contamination by enabling precise, low-wear, and multipliable movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed printing base machine is used with conventional elevation mechanisms, then the screen printing process can be performed, but the 3D shape gets successively shifted in reference to the printing base after several layer printing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the printing base movable rather than fixed. The printing base is equipped with a translation mechanism that allows it to move horizontally along the elevation direction, enabling dynamic adjustment of the printing base position to maintain precise layer alignment during multi-layer 3D printing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation mechanism between the screen printing frame elevation system and the printing base. This translation mechanism acts as a mediator that compensates for positional shifts by moving the printing base horizontally, thereby maintaining precise alignment without requiring complex modifications to the entire elevation system
2Ease of operation
If the screen printing frame is elevated in fixed printing base machines, then the printing station can be repositioned, but suction is created that forces the article to bend over the printed product causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the printing base movable rather than fixed. The printing base is equipped with a translation mechanism that allows it to move horizontally along the elevation direction, enabling dynamic adjustment of the printing base position to maintain precise layer alignment during multi-layer 3D printing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation mechanism between the screen printing frame elevation system and the printing base. This translation mechanism acts as a mediator that compensates for positional shifts by moving the printing base horizontally, thereby maintaining precise alignment without requiring complex modifications to the entire elevation system
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
Print station (1) for a screen printing machine, said print station (1) having a screen frame (14) and a print base (8) for receiving a product (10, 10A) to be screen printed through said screen print frame (14), said print station (1) comprising a screen frame elevation mechanism comprising a first shaft (6) and wherein the screen frame (14) is rotatable about said first shaft (6), wherein said first shaft (6) is movable between a first and a second position, such that the screen frame (14) is translationally moveable relative to the print base (8) when the screen frame (14) is in a printing position relative to the print base (8), further comprising a rotatable circular-section second shaft (5), wherein the first shaft (6) is solidly fixed to the second shaft (5) and the first shaft rotation axis is offset from the second shaft rotation axis. Also, a method of operating the print station (1) for a screen printing machine, comprising: lowering, or raising, the screen frame (14) into, or from, a printing position relative to the print base (8) by simultaneously rotating the screen frame (14) about said first shaft (6) and also moving said first shaft (6) such that the screen frame (14) moves translationally relative to the print base (8).