Screen Printer Squeegee Sensor for Residual Paste Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen printers lack versatility and accuracy in detecting residual paste due to fixed sensor positions, requiring adjustments for different substrate and paste types, leading to inconsistent detection timing and precision.
Innovation Solution
A screen printer with a sensor system integrated into the squeegee head, comprising a light projection and receiving section that measures the cross-sectional profile of paste, allowing for accurate detection of residual paste across a predetermined region, enabling precise calculation of the amount of residual paste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed position sensor is used to detect paste presence, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and versatility deteriorate because sensor position must be adjusted for different substrate and paste types
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated into the squeegee head and moves dynamically during the squeegeeing operation, allowing it to detect paste at the precise location where paste is being scraped up. This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for fixed sensor positions and manual adjustments for different substrate and paste types, while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is merged with the squeegee head, combining the printing mechanism and detection mechanism into a single integrated unit. This allows the sensor to automatically detect paste conditions at the exact location where paste is being applied, eliminating the need for separate fixed-position sensors and their associated adjustment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed position sensor is used to detect paste presence, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because sensor position must be adjusted for different substrate and paste types
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor integrated in the squeegee head automatically adapts to different substrate and paste types through its dynamic movement during squeegeeing. The sensor detects paste at the actual working location regardless of substrate type or paste viscosity, eliminating the need for manual position adjustments and enabling versatile multi-objective production.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor system in the squeegee head serves as a universal detection mechanism that works with different substrate types and paste types without requiring reconfiguration. The sensor detects paste conditions at the point of application, making the system adaptable to various printing conditions and objectives.
3Device complexity
If paste is detected only at the sensor location, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because residual paste amount cannot be accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor moves dynamically with the squeegee head during the squeegeeing operation, allowing it to detect paste at the precise location where paste is being scraped up. This dynamic positioning enables accurate measurement of residual paste amount by detecting the paste cross-section at the point where the squeegee contacts the screen, providing reliable data for determining paste replenishment timing.
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
Ensures consistent and accurate detection of residual paste, enhancing versatility and precision, and allowing for timely paste replenishment, thereby preventing print failures.
Implementation Method 1
the light receiving section receives a measurement beam, which is cast from the light projection section and partially blocked by the paste scraped up by the squeegee
Data Source
AI summary
A light receiving section 27b receives a measurement beam, which is cast from a light projection section 27a and partially blocked by cream solder 19 scraped up by a squeegee 16, whereby a sensor 27 measures a one-dimensional size of a predetermined region of a cross sectional profile of the cream solder 19 as a cross sectional paste length and takes the cross sectional paste length as an index for an amount of residual cream solder 19. The amount of residual cream solder 19 can be numerically grasped at all times, so that versatility and accuracy in detecting the amount of residual cream solder 19 can be assured.