Screen Printing Mask Guide for Automated Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen printing apparatuses with automatic mask replacement functions require complex and costly mechanisms, including a stocker, and involve two separate paths for mask pickup and mounting, leading to inefficient and time-consuming mask replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A screen printing apparatus with a mask guide system that includes a standby, printing, and shelter position, where the mask moving mechanism moves the mask from the standby to the printing position and then to the shelter position, allowing for simultaneous pickup and mounting operations, eliminating the need for a stocker and reducing operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic mask replacement function is implemented using conventional methods, then mask replacement automation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring a stocker and separate pickup/mounting paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mask pickup and mounting operations into a single integrated mask guide structure. The mask guide serves dual functions: it stores the used mask at its rear end and simultaneously guides the new mask from the front end to the printing position. This eliminates the need for separate stockers and independent pickup/mounting mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask guide is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: it acts as a storage container for used masks, a transmission path for new masks, and a positioning guide. This universal design allows a single structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components (stocker, pickup mechanism, mounting mechanism), thus reducing overall system complexity.
2Extent of automation
If separate paths for mask pickup and mounting are used, then automation is achieved, but time consumption increases due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The operator can prepare the new mask by inserting it into the mask guide's front end in advance, before the current mask is fully removed. The mask guide holds this prepared mask ready for immediate transfer to the printing position, eliminating waiting time between mask replacement steps and enabling overlapping of preparation and execution phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask guide enables continuous mask replacement operations by maintaining an uninterrupted supply path. While one mask is being used at the printing position, the next mask can be prepared and positioned in the mask guide simultaneously, ensuring that the mask replacement process flows continuously without idle time or sequential interruptions.
3Reliability
If stocker is used for mask storage, then mask availability is ensured, but operational cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential mask storage function from the complex stocker mechanism and implements it using the simple, existing mask guide structure. By utilizing the rear end of the mask guide as a storage location for used masks and the front end for new mask insertion, the system achieves mask availability without requiring a dedicated stocker, thereby eliminating unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask guide serves itself by using its own structure for mask storage and transmission. The rear end naturally holds the used mask, and the front end accepts the new mask, creating a self-contained system that eliminates the need for external stockers or additional storage mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A screen printing apparatus includes: a mask guide; a mask moving mechanism; and a squeegeeing mechanism. The mask guide is provided with a mask standby position, a printing-job performing position, and a mask shelter position in this order from a first end to a second end of the mask guide. The mask moving mechanism moves the used mask positioned at the printing-job performing position to the mask shelter position such that it is possible to pick up the used mask from the second end of the mask guide.