Screen Printing Machine with Integrated Dispensing End Effector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly lines require multiple dedicated machines for screen printing and material dispensing, which are expensive and inefficient, as they occupy valuable space and are used infrequently.
Innovation Solution
A screen printing machine is enhanced with a material-dispensing end effector and vision camera alignment mechanism, allowing it to perform both printing and dispensing operations, eliminating the need for separate equipment by switching between modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated machines are used for screen printing and material dispensing, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a screen printing machine and a material dispensing machine into a single integrated system. The screen printing unit and dispensing unit share common components including the workpiece support table, vision camera system, and positioning mechanism. This merging reduces the total number of machines from two to one, decreasing device complexity while maintaining the functional reliability of both operations through unified control and alignment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated machine performs multiple functions: screen printing operations, material dispensing operations, and vision-guided alignment. The system can switch between different operational modes (screen printing mode, dispensing mode, or combined mode) based on production requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single machine to replace what previously required two separate dedicated machines, reducing space requirements and overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated machines are used for screen printing and material dispensing, then functional versatility is improved, but space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges screen printing and material dispensing functions into a single integrated machine that occupies one footprint on the factory floor. By sharing common infrastructure (support table, vision system, positioning mechanisms), the space required is significantly less than housing two separate dedicated machines, directly addressing the space constraints while preserving functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides universal functionality by enabling both screen printing and material dispensing operations, as well as hybrid operations where both functions are applied to the same workpiece. The system can adapt to different production needs by switching between modes, maintaining versatility while reducing the total floor space required compared to multiple dedicated machines.
3Area of stationary object
If an integrated screen printing and dispensing machine is used, then space usage and cost are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated machine is segmented into distinct functional modules: a screen printing unit with its own print head and printing screen, and a dispensing unit with its own dispensing head and material reservoir. Each module operates semi-independently but shares common support structures and control systems. This segmentation allows the complex functions to be organized into manageable, modular components that are easier to maintain and operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves space efficiency by integrating multiple functions into one machine. The complexity is managed through shared components: a single vision camera system serves both alignment functions, a common positioning mechanism supports both print head and dispensing head, and one control system coordinates both operations. This universal approach to component sharing reduces overall complexity compared to having two fully separate machines.
Data Source
AI summary
A screen printing machine and method, the screen printing machine comprising: a print head (111) which is operable to drive a material through a printing screen (109) and deposit the material onto a workpiece (w); an imaging unit (121) which comprises a vision camera (123) for imaging at least one of the printing screen (109) and the workpiece (w), and a positioning mechanism (125) which is operable to position the vision camera; and an end effector (141) which is operable to perform an operation on the workpiece and is coupled to the vision camera, such as to be moved commonly therewith by the positioning mechanism, wherein the screen printing machine is operable in one of a first mode in which the print head is operated to print material deposits on the workpiece, and a second, mode in which the end effector is actuated to perform an operation on the workpiece at defined positions.