Screen Loading Mechanism for In-Situ Printing Screen Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current frame systems for screen printing require the removal of the entire frame from the screen printing machine for screen replacement, which is cumbersome due to the size and weight of the frame, and involves the time-consuming process of removing residual print medium.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly with a screen loading mechanism that allows in-situ replacement of printing screens, featuring a movably coupled screen loading member and actuator elements to load and unload screens without lifting the print head or removing residual print medium, facilitated by a counter-biasing element to tension the screen and a support station for the print head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire frame is removed from the screen printing machine for screen replacement, then the printing screen can be replaced, but the operation becomes cumbersome due to the size and weight of the frame and requires time-consuming removal of residual print medium
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is segmented into a frame unit and a separate screen loading mechanism. The screen loading member can be independently moved between a screen-receiving position (spaced from the frame unit) and a loaded position, allowing the screen to be accessed and replaced without removing the entire frame from the machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen loading mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operator and the frame unit. It provides a screen-receiving position where screens can be loaded or removed from the screen loading member before being transferred to the frame unit, eliminating the need to handle the heavy frame directly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is removed from the screen printing machine for screen replacement, then the printing screen can be replaced, but the print head must be lifted clear and residual print medium must be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the screen loading function from the frame unit by introducing a screen loading mechanism with a screen loading member. This member can be positioned at a screen-receiving position spaced from the frame unit, allowing screen changes without affecting the frame or print head position.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen loading member is movably coupled to the frame unit, enabling it to dynamically transition between the screen-receiving position and the loaded position. This dynamic positioning allows the screen to be accessed in a convenient location while maintaining the frame in its operational position.
3Productivity
If a movable screen loading mechanism is added to enable in-situ screen replacement, then screen replacement becomes easier and faster, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen loading mechanism serves multiple functions: it holds the screen at a screen-receiving position spaced from the frame unit, enables loading of screens onto the frame unit, and facilitates unloading of screens from the frame unit. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual process of removing the entire frame and handling screens is replaced by a mechanical screen loading mechanism with actuator elements that automatically move the screen loading member between positions, reducing manual labor and increasing precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A frame assembly (100) for supporting a printing screen (101), the frame assembly comprising : a frame unit (104) to which a printing screen is in use supported; and a screen loading mechanism (105) for loading a printing screen into and unloading a printing screen from the frame unit, wherein the screen loading mechanism comprises a screen loading member (153) which is movably coupled to the frame unit between a screen-receiving position in which a printing screen can be loaded into or removed from the screen loading member and a loaded position in which the printing screen is loaded into the frame unit, and at least one actuator element (154) which is coupled to the screen loading member and actuatable to move the screen loading member between the screen-receiving and loaded positions.