Screen-Printing Frame Asymmetric Locking Strip Tensioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing silkscreen tensioning systems face challenges such as glue degradation from chemical exposure, environmentally hazardous solvents for mesh removal, and cumbersome, complex, and expensive methods for stretching and attaching mesh to frames, which are also space-intensive and heavy.

Innovation Solution

An asymmetric locking strip slot in a movable frame member allows for easy insertion and tensioning of mesh, combined with a simple hand tool for stretching and removing mesh using a gripping and bearing mechanism to apply and release tension without damaging the mesh.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glue is used to attach mesh to frame, then mesh can be securely mounted, but glue degrades due to chemical exposure during printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh mounting reliabilityVSAvoidchemical degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the glue-based attachment system entirely and replaces it with a mechanical locking strip system. The locking strip engages with grooves in the frame to secure the mesh, eliminating the need for adhesives that degrade under chemical exposure during printing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (glue) with a mechanical bonding mechanism (locking strip engaging grooves). This substitution allows the mesh to be attached without relying on adhesives that are sensitive to chemical degradation from printing chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional stretching apparatus is used, then mesh can be stretched, but the apparatus is complex, expensive, bulky, heavy, and slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh stretching precisionVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the frame into stationary and movable portions, allowing the stretching function to be distributed across simple mechanical components rather than requiring a single complex apparatus. The locking strip itself becomes part of the stretching mechanism when engaged with the groove system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking strip system enables the frame to stretch and secure the mesh almost autonomously through simple mechanical engagement. The locking strip can be inserted and secured through basic manual manipulation without requiring complex automated stretching apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If locking strip is inserted into groove from end, then mesh can be secured, but locking strip catches on fabric during insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh securing reliabilityVSAvoidlocking strip insertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting the locking strip from the end of the groove as in traditional designs, the patent allows insertion from the top surface of the frame through an opening in the locking strip. This inverted approach eliminates the catching problem by providing clear access from above rather than from the side end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional insertion approach (from the end along the groove length) to a two-dimensional insertion approach (from the top surface through an opening). This dimensional change provides better access and eliminates the catching issue by allowing the locking strip to be inserted perpendicular to the groove direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If mesh is removed for frame reuse, then frame can be reused, but mesh is destroyed and environmentally hazardous solvents are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe reusabilityVSAvoidenvironmentally hazardous solvents

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the mesh from the frame through simple mechanical manipulation of the locking strip system, eliminating the need for chemical solvents. The mesh can be removed and reused without damage through pure mechanical means, and the frame can be cleaned and reused without hazardous chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces chemical solvent-based mesh removal with a mechanical release system. The locking strip can be mechanically released from the groove, allowing the mesh to be removed and reused without destroying it or requiring environmentally hazardous solvents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8997648B1Screen-printing frame

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 NISWONGER JOHN O H

AI summary

A system for attaching mesh to a frame and applying tension to the mesh is described. The system includes a locking strip slot in a movable frame member that permits mesh and an attached locking strip to be inserted into the slot from the top. The locking strip may be asymmetric. The system further includes a rigid frame that can hold the movable frame member under tension. The system also includes gripping the movable frame member at the locking strip slot to apply tension to the mesh. A simple hand tool may be used for engaging the locking strip slot and leveraging against the rigid portion of the frame to apply the tension. A simple hand tool may be used for separating the movable frame member from the rigid frame to remove the mesh.